A United Kingdom

A United Kingdom 2016

• Director: Amma Asante
• Based on the book by Susan Williams
• Cast: David Oyelowo, Rosamund Pike, Tom Felton, Jack Davenport, Laura Carmichael, Terry Pheto, Abena Ayivor
• David Oyelowo – Interstellar, The Butler, The Help, Small Island, The Nr 1 Ladies Detective Agency, The Last King of Scotland, As You Like It, Derailed
• Rosamund Pike – Gone Girl, What We Did on Our Holiday, A Long Way Down, The World’s End, Made in Dagenham, An Education, The Libertine
• Tom Felton – Harry Potter, Anna and the King
• Jack Davenport – The Boat that Rocked, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Libertine,
• Laura Carmichael – Downton Abbey, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
• Terry Pheto – Good-bye Bafana, Tsotsi
• Why? The subject.
• Seen: 6 September 2019      

       In one of the books I used in my English class there was a text about Seretse Khama and Ruth Williams. I included the text in the required reading. I wish I’d had this film to show my students. It’s based on a true story.

       In 1947 Seretse (Oyelowo) is a law student in London. Ruth (Pike) works in an office. Ruth’s sister Muriel (Carmichael) takes her to a church social for African students. Seretse and Ruth meet, and it’s love at first sight. Jazz and dancing sweeten their relationship but sadly he’s the heir to the throne of Bechuanaland and he must return to his country.

       In the face of racist outrage from both families and countries, they marry and go to Bechuanaland. The love story is more moving than most. The political intrigues are very interesting. They struggle with the poverty and the compact hostility of the British government and the neighbouring African British colonies. Their courage, persistence and ultimate success in defeating British imperialism to establish together the republic of Botswana gives hope. We know it’s possible to build something good from something bad.

       It’s an elegant film with solid acting, including Draco Malfoy in another nasty role that he (Felton) does so well.

       It’s just a bit glossy and feel-good for a full score but well worth

4* of 5