A UNITED KINGDOM
* * * ½
(Historical drama/love story)
The Rhode Island Film Festival screened this interesting historical drama last week and it then moved to the Avon.
Based on a true story, “A United Kingdom” tells the story of Prince Seretse Khama (David Oyelomo) of Botswana who falls in love and marries a British office worker (Rosamond Pike). The two are denounced by their families and their countries, and Khama is denied the throne and exiled.
The inspiring story is all about love and determination conquering all, as the couple fight the ugliness of apartheid and years of tradition.
Set in the 1940s, the historical period piece shows the hidden and blatant prejudices that colonialism brought to South Africa.
While Khama’s uncle places tradition over his people’s right to determine their own future, the Botswanians must be led and educated to the dignity of deciding their own future.
The movie plays out to a satisfactory conclusion. The credits role, and we have a chance to see the real life heroes of this important moment in history.
Rated PG-13.