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Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Name: Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
Genre: Drama, History
Released: 2013-11-28
Cast: Idris Elba, Naomie Harris, Tony Kgoroge, Riaad Moosa, Fana Mokoena

2013 | 141 min | Drama, History

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Audiences rate it highly (6.9 out of 10), though it had a box office loss and little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it: Made for history buffs. If you loved Gandhi or Invictus, start here. Audiences love it more than critics do: a crowd-pleaser first.
The mood: Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace: Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 21 min.
What might put you off: Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.

A chronicle of Nelson Mandela's life journey from his childhood in a rural village through to his inauguration as the first democratically elected president of South Africa.

How it earned its rating

CriticsSolid
62% on Rotten Tomatoes, 60 on Metacritic
AudiencesStrong
6.9 out of 10
AwardsSolid
Won 1 Golden Globe: 71st Golden Globe Awards: Best Original Song – Motion Picture. Also nominated for 2 more Golden Globes and 1 Critics' Choice Award.
Box office & staying powerBelow par
$28 million worldwide on a $35 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 49K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

Cast & crew

Directed by Justin Chadwick

Idris ElbaNelson Mandela
Naomie HarrisWinnie Madikizela
Tony KgorogeWalter Sisulu
Riaad MoosaAhmed Kathrada
Fana MokoenaGovan Mbeki
Robert HobbsChief Warder
Jamie BartlettJames Gregory
Lindiwe MatshikizaZindzi Mandela
Terry PhetoEvelyn Mase
Deon LotzKobie Coetzee