Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom 2013
Directed by
Justin Chadwick
Made by
Weinstein Company, The
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Based on the autobiography of South African President Nelson Mandela, portrayed by Idris Elba, this film chronicles his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming a pivotal figure in the fight against apartheid. Born into a middle-class Xhosa family, Mandela undergoes a traditional coming-of-age ceremony and later studies law, becoming a barrister in Johannesburg in 1942. In a society rife with racial injustice, he takes on cases aimed at defending innocent native Africans wrongfully accused by a biased judicial system. His anger escalates when a close friend dies in police custody, bringing to light the brutal realities faced by his community.
Mandela’s wife, Evelyn Mase, pushes him into politics, motivating him to elevate the struggle for equality. Engaging with the African National Congress (ANC) under the mentorship of Walter Sisulu, Mandela becomes a beacon of hope for native Africans. As the government implements stricter segregation policies in 1948, Mandela’s personal life becomes tumultuous, marked by infidelity and domestic strife that ultimately leads to Evelyn leaving him.
In retaliation to the oppressive laws, Mandela joins the ANC and spearheads numerous demonstrations, openly defying segregation by courting arrest. During this politically charged period, he meets Winnie Madikizela, a dedicated social worker. Their whirlwind romance culminates in marriage, further intertwining his personal and political life.
The racial climate deteriorates, reaching a boiling point in 1960 when police violently suppress a peaceful protest, killing over a hundred unarmed civilians. This tragic event galvanizes Mandela to form the ANC’s armed wing, resulting in him going underground to evade capture. As he navigates this perilous life on the run, Mandela learns to craft explosives, initiating a series of strategic attacks against government facilities. The inevitable arrest follows, leading to a life sentence on Robben Island in 1963, where he suffers inhumane conditions and ongoing harassment from guards.
While Mandela endures a grueling imprisonment, the nation rises against the apartheid regime—riots erupt, and protests become commonplace. News of these uprisings reaches Mandela, receiving support from new inmates at Robben Island. By 1981, pressure mounts on the apartheid government, which begins secret negotiations with Mandela, despite dissent from other ANC members who feel excluded from the process.
Upon turning 70, Mandela is placed under house arrest, allowing for family visits, as he adopts a more moderate approach, advocating for a peaceful transition of power. However, this stance strains his relationship with Winnie, who remains deeply affected by the violence perpetuated against their community.
Finally, after decades of struggle, on February 11, 1990, Mandela is released. Returning to Johannesburg, he faces the complexities of leading a country longing for peace while grappling with internal opposition from both the ANC and his estranged wife, who continues to fight for justice. Public calls for calm become his message as he encourages the people to choose dialogue over conflict. Ultimately, on February 27, 1994, the ANC achieves a historic victory, marked by South Africa’s first democratic elections, celebrating the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new era for the nation.
Timeline
Track the key events of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Birth and Upbringing
Nelson Mandela is born into a middle-class Xhosa family, setting the foundation for his future endeavors. His humble beginnings shape his understanding of the social injustices that will later fuel his activism.
Education and Becoming a Barrister
Mandela undergoes a traditional coming-of-age ceremony and pursues a law degree. He becomes a barrister in Johannesburg in 1942, where he witnesses firsthand the racial injustices in the legal system.
Realization of Racial Injustice
The death of a close friend in police custody acts as a catalyst for Mandela’s activist journey. This tragic event exposes him to the brutal realities faced by his community and intensifies his resolve to fight against apartheid.
Political Awakening
Mandela's wife, Evelyn Mase, encourages him to engage in politics. This pushes him further into the struggle for equality and he begins working with the African National Congress (ANC) under the mentorship of Walter Sisulu.
Stricter Segregation and Personal Turmoil
The ANC’s activism intensifies alongside the government’s stricter segregation policies in 1948. Mandela's personal life suffers due to infidelity and ultimately, his wife leaves him, marking a difficult chapter in his life.
Joining the ANC
In retaliation to oppressive laws, Mandela joins the ANC and leads several demonstrations. His actions draw arrests, highlighting his commitment to challenging the status quo.
Marriage to Winnie Madikizela
During this tumultuous period, Mandela meets Winnie Madikizela, and their romance ignites. Their marriage intertwines his personal and political lives, further entrenching him in the fight for justice.
Sharpeville Massacre
In 1960, police brutally suppress a peaceful protest at Sharpeville, killing over a hundred unarmed civilians. This shocking event galvanizes Mandela and pushes him to form the ANC’s armed wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe.
Going Underground
Following the formation of Umkhonto we Sizwe, Mandela goes underground to evade arrest. During this time, he learns to craft explosives and orchestrates strategic attacks against government facilities.
Arrest and Imprisonment
Mandela is eventually arrested in 1962 and sentenced to life imprisonment on Robben Island in 1963. He endures harsh conditions and relentless harassment from prison guards while remaining a symbol of resistance.
National Uprisings
While Mandela is imprisoned, the nation erupts in protests against the apartheid regime. Riots and civil unrest highlight the growing dissatisfaction with the government and eventually reach Mandela inside the prison.
Secret Negotiations Begin
By 1981, the apartheid government begins covert negotiations with Mandela, recognizing his significance. This heightened pressure leads to tensions within the ANC regarding who should be involved in the peace process.
House Arrest
Upon turning 70, Mandela is placed under house arrest, a period that allows him more family visits and the opportunity to advocate for peaceful resolutions. However, this moderation strains his relationship with Winnie.
Release from Prison
On February 11, 1990, Mandela is released from prison after 27 years. His return to Johannesburg is met with immense support and he faces the daunting task of uniting a country divided by years of apartheid.
First Democratic Elections
The ANC wins historic elections on February 27, 1994, marking the end of apartheid. This victory signifies a new era for South Africa, as Mandela is celebrated for his leadership in achieving equality and justice.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela is depicted as a determined and principled leader, unwavering in his fight against apartheid. His journey from a humble background to becoming a national icon reflects his resilience and commitment to justice. Despite facing immense personal and political challenges, he remains focused on his vision for a free South Africa.
Evelyn Mase
Evelyn Mase is portrayed as a supportive yet conflicted partner, urging Mandela to engage in political activism. Her character embodies the struggles faced by families of activists, showcasing the personal toll of political engagement. Evelyn's departure from Mandela also highlights the tension between personal and public life.
Winnie Madikizela
Winnie Madikizela is depicted as a fierce and passionate activist, deeply committed to the struggle for freedom. Her relationship with Mandela evolves as they both navigate the complexities of love and activism during turbulent times. Winnie represents the strength and agency of women in the fight against apartheid.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1940s - 1990s
The film spans several decades from the 1940s to the 1990s, a period marked by apartheid in South Africa. This era witnessed extreme racial segregation and political turmoil, with many fighting for equality and justice. The eventual transition to a democratic government marked a notable turning point in the nation's history.
Location
South Africa, Johannesburg, Robben Island
South Africa is known for its rich cultural diversity and history, especially during the apartheid era. Johannesburg, a bustling metropolis, was a hub for political activism and struggle against racial injustice. Robben Island, notorious for holding political prisoners, became a symbol of resistance against the oppressive apartheid regime.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Resistance
The theme of resistance is central to Mandela's journey as he defies oppressive laws and stands up for equality. His actions inspire others to join the fight against apartheid, showcasing the power of collective struggle. This theme highlights the courage and resilience of those who fought against injustice.
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Love and Sacrifice
Mandela's personal relationships, particularly with Evelyn and Winnie, reflect the complexities of love amidst social turmoil. His commitment to the cause often leads to personal sacrifices, illustrating the tension between personal desires and political obligations. This theme emphasizes the emotional cost of activism.
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Democracy
The eventual victory of the ANC and the establishment of a democratic South Africa represent the culmination of a long struggle for freedom. This theme underscores the importance of dialogue, understanding, and the need for leadership in transitioning from oppression to liberty. The film celebrates the triumph of hope and unity.
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