Follows Nelson Mandela, from his early protests against racial discrimination, to his election as South Africa's first Democratically elected leader.Follows Nelson Mandela, from his early protests against racial discrimination, to his election as South Africa's first Democratically elected leader.Follows Nelson Mandela, from his early protests against racial discrimination, to his election as South Africa's first Democratically elected leader.
- Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 3 wins & 3 nominations total
Winnie Mandela
- Self
- (as Nomzamo Winnie Mandela)
Patrick Shai
- Self - Narrator
- (voice)
Pieter Willem Botha
- Self
- (archive footage)
- (as P.W. Botha)
F.W. de Klerk
- Self
- (archive footage)
Zindzi Mandela
- Self
- (archive footage)
Desmond Tutu
- Self
- (archive footage)
- (as Archbishop Desmond Tutu)
Eugene Terre'Blanche
- Self (AWB Party)
- (archive footage)
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThis was culled from over 200 hours of original footage and 100 hours of archive material. It was made with the complete co-operation of Nelson Mandela.
Featured review
Excellent, well-produced documentary
This is one of the better historical documentaries that I have seen in awhile covering any subject. Producing a documentary on Nelson Mandela is a rather formidable undertaking, and I believe that the filmmakers prove to be up to the task. The film portrays Mandela not as a saint, but as a human being -- yes sometimes egotistical, but steadfast throughout his struggle. One of the most memorable parts of the film (edited marvelously) for me was the section describing the Sharpeville massacre (including actual footage) and how this event was key in turning Mandela from non-violence to armed struggle. Also powerful is the coverage of Mandela's first trial on treason. Not only is footage woven in with interviews of key colleagues of Mandela, but one can see from the interview subjects that the fight against apartheid in South Africa was not merely a black versus white struggle. The struggle, in fact, encompassed a number of different ethnicities -- even Afrikkaners.
There is a fair share of South African music throughout the film, and I believe that it helps to punctuate the emotions of the time and bring the viewer closer to the subjects of the documentary.
If there is any criticism I have of the film, it is that I would have liked to see more on Mandela's interaction (or sometimes, lack of) with Bishop Desmond Tutu. Tutu stood for non-violence throughout, and may have been as important as Mandela and the ANC in forcing the issue of apartheid.
Overall, this film is far better than most historical documentaries (and I have seen my fair share of bad ones!).
There is a fair share of South African music throughout the film, and I believe that it helps to punctuate the emotions of the time and bring the viewer closer to the subjects of the documentary.
If there is any criticism I have of the film, it is that I would have liked to see more on Mandela's interaction (or sometimes, lack of) with Bishop Desmond Tutu. Tutu stood for non-violence throughout, and may have been as important as Mandela and the ANC in forcing the issue of apartheid.
Overall, this film is far better than most historical documentaries (and I have seen my fair share of bad ones!).
helpful•90
- gkar2025
- Jan 23, 2006
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official site
- Languages
- Also known as
- Nelson Mandela, el padre de una nación
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $42,056
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $8,413
- Mar 23, 1997
- Gross worldwide
- $42,056
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