Movie Review: A United Kingdom directed by Amma Asante

I wanted to get to a movie this weekend. There was not that much on that interested me downtown but decided to see A United Kingdom with a friend - a very good choice. Based on fascinating true events, A United Kingdom showed a part of history that I was completely unfamiliar with. Seretse Khama, a black man in London in 1947 and Ruth Williams, a London office worker and very white meet and fall in love. And then the political dynamics interfere. Seretse Khama is the traditional king of the tiny country of Bechuanaland, a British Protectorate, now Botswana. His uncle, Vusi Kunene has been Regent, since Seretse was age four. He is against the marriage for familial, cultural and traditional reasons. Ruth’s family, especially her father, had pushed her away also citing family tradition. More than once the phrase ‘Have you no shame’ was thrown at each of them. The British government, is also against this marriage for politically expedient reasons. South Africa was bringing in apartheid. Bechuanaland is caught between these two powerful political entities. Seretse, played by David Oyelowo and Ruth, played by Rosamund Pike stood together against all those that would separate them. It was also, however, the love of the country Bechuanaland and the belief that giving in to these political pressures would be the ultimate downfall of this tiny country that pushed Seretse to stand firm. Ruth, played by Rosamund Pike, stood beside and behind Seretse facing racism, both families rejection, and an almost two year separation from her beloved Seretse. In this time, Seretse was banished to London while Ruth, awaiting the birth of their first child, remained in Bechuanaland. Their greatest satisfaction was when they were reunited and the political dynamics were played out in their favour. This movie I would definitely see again.

“No man is free who is not master of himself.”

~ Seretse Khama, A United Kingdom

Director:  Amma Asante

Partial Cast:

David Oyelowo     Seretse Khama

Rosamund Pike     Ruth Williams

Jack Davenport      Sir Alistair Canning

Jessica Oyelowo.   Lady Lilly Canning

Terry Pheto            Naledi Khama

Vusi Kunene          Tshekedi Khama 

Abena Ayivor.        Ella Khama

Based on the book:  Colour Bar - A United Kingdom by Susan Williams