Coram Deo ~

Looking at contemporary culture from a Christian worldview

Tag Archives: David Oyelowo


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My Review of A United Kingdom

A United Kingdom, rated PG-13
*** ½

A United Kingdom is an inspiriting story of love and courage.  This film, based on a true story, is directed by Amma Asante (Belle), and is written by Guy Hibbert, based on the book Colour Bar: A United Kingdom by Susan Williams. Prince Seretse Khama, played by David Oyelowo (Selma) and quickly becoming one of our top actors, is the heir to the throne of Bechuanaland, the African nation and British protectorate that would later become Botswana. Because his father, Sekgoma Khama, died when Seretse was only 4 years old, he was raised by his uncle, Tshekedi Khama, played by Vusi Kunene. Acting as regent, Tshekedi sent him to Oxford to be educated to prepare him for being his country’s leader.
In 1947 Seretse meets Ruth Williams, a white London secretary, played by Oscar nominee Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl) at a dance. They bond over their common love of jazz music and quickly fall in love. Seretse then receives a letter from his uncle indicating that it is time to return to his home country to assume responsibility as king. Seretse proposes to Ruth and she accepts, much to the displeasure of Ruth’s father George, played by Nicholas Lyndhurst, who says he will never speak to Ruth again if she marries Seretse, as well as Seretse’s uncle Tshekedi.  Soon, Ruth is estranged from her family and Seretse is estranged from his uncle, who now doesn’t feel that Seretse is fit to be the king.
Added to this is the interference of the British government, who were willing to sabotage the marriage to appease neighboring South Africa, who was introducing their policy of apartheid. Britain’s government, including Winston Churchill do not come across well in this film.
Themes in the film are love, courage, faithfulness, racism, betrayal, and estrangement from family. Oyelowo and Pike are excellent in their roles, and have good onscreen chemistry. Oyelowo delivers a few powerful speeches and Pike works hard to be acceptable to the people of Bechuanaland. The supporting cast is solid as well. Jack Davenport portrays British representative Alistair Canning so well you will really dislike him.  David cast his real-life wife, actress Jessica Oyelowo, as Lady Lilly Canning.  Harry Potter’s Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton) portrays Canning’s second in command Rufus Lancaster. The film takes place in both Britain and Africa and is rated PG-13 for some language, including racial slurs.


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MOVIE REVIEW – QUEEN OF KATWE

queen-of-katweQueen of Katwe, rated PG
**** 

This delightful film from Disney is directed by Mira Nair. She decided to make this feature film after making a documentary about the life of Robert Katende, the coach who trained the subject of this film. The screenplay is written by William Wheeler and is based on Tim Crothers’ book The Queen of Katwe: A Story of Life, Chess, and One Extraordinary Girl’s Dream of Becoming a Grandmaster. The film tells the remarkable real-life story of Phiona Mutesi.  

The film begins in 2007. Phiona, played by the impressive newcomer Madina Nalwanga, lives in the slums of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda with her mother Nakku Harriet, who is played by Oscar winner (Best Actress for 12 Years a Slave) Lupita Nyong’o, brothers Mugabi Brian (Martin Kabanza) and Richard (Ivan Jacobo),  and sister Night (Taryn Kyaze). Phiona’s father is gone, and Nakku is struggling to make ends meet. Phiona and her brother sell ears of corn (maize) that Nakku has purchased earlier to passing cars on Katwe’s crowded streets each day. Some days they all eat and some days they don’t. Phiona doesn’t go to school because her mother can’t afford the tuition. We see Phiona’s older sister Night seek to escape the extreme poverty of her family by entering into prostitution, to the sadness of her mother.

One day, Phiona and her brother providentially come across the Pioneers Chess Club, a part of the Sports Outreach Program, run by the Agape Sanctuary Ministry. The club is led by soccer-playing Robert Katende, called “Coach”, played by David Oyelowo, a fine actor who delivered a strong performance as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma. Phiona develops a passion and has a natural talent for chess. Soon, she is competing and beating the club’s best players.

Nyong’o, as a single mother, is suspicious of the chess club. Her concerns grow as Phiona begins to travel to chess tournaments. During this time, we see Coach becoming a father figure to Phiona.

The film shows us a grim picture of the streets of Uganda in all their poverty, thanks to cinematographer Sean Bobbitt (12 Years a Slave). The film includes some excellent music and costumes. We also see some wonderful shots of the children reacting to a world they had never seen before (flying, swimming in a pool, enjoying ketchup and seeing snow). I missed out on the many scenes depicting Phiona’s chess matches because I don’t know anything about the game of chess.  It would have added a rich layer to this wonderful film.

The film shows the importance of family, and how Nakku as a single mother will not compromise, even in the most trying circumstances. The film is about finding hope in these circumstances. Several times, moves in chess are used for metaphors in life. I appreciated the positive manner in which this film portrays Christianity.

This was a highly enjoyable film, led by the strong acting performances of Nyong’o, Oyelowo and Nalwanga. Highly recommended.


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Movie Review ~ Captive

CaptiveCaptive, rated PG-13
**

This film is based on the true events of March 12, 2005 and Ashley Smith’s book Unlikely Angel. Smith, played by Kate Mara (House of Cards), is a waitress and mom living in Atlanta, and is close to losing her young daughter as a result of her drug addiction. In fact, daughter Paige lives with Ashley’s aunt, played by Mimi Rogers.

Ashley is a widow, her husband having been murdered by a drug dealer.  We see her attending a Celebrate Recovery meeting and a friend giving her a copy of Rick Warren’s book The Purpose Driven Life. The book will play a key role in this story.

Brian Nichols is played by David Oyelowo, who was robbed of an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of MLK in Selma. Brian is about to be sentenced for rape, but escapes from a courthouse jail and kills four people while the Atlanta police pursue him throughout the city.

When Smith decides to go to her car looking for cigarettes at 2:30 am, Nichols grabs her, leading her back into her apartment. The rest of the film is about their relationship, which begins with Nichols throwing her around, taping her up, and using the meth that Ashley had in the apartment.

The film is directed by 80-year old Jerry Jameson, who has a long history of directing, including episodes of The Mod Squad television series in 1969-1972. It is the story of two broken people who have an unlikely encounter and their interactions. I wouldn’t consider this a “Christian film”. Ashley reads to Nichols from the book The Purpose Driven Life, and that’s pretty much the extent of the faith-based aspect, short of an interview with the real Smith and Rick Warren by Oprah Winfrey as the credits roll.

The acting performances from Oyelowo and Mara were solid, but the script didn’t give them a lot to work with. The film was also dreadfully slow. Overall, we were disappointed with this film, especially after having seen Oyelowo’s strong performance in Selma.