111 minutes, Biography Drama/Romance

Although the true events in this film occurred over 60 years ago, we sadly do not need to look very far to this very day, to identify similar examples of public political views and dictation superseding a person’s private rights and relationships. One of the most internationally known cases of this to have ever occurred is honestly rendered in BELLE director Amma Asante’s new film, A UNITED KINGDOM.

During the late 1940’s, Prince Seretse Khama (David Oyelowo, from SELMA) of Botswana (known then as the British Protectorate of Bechuanaland) meets and falls in love with an English Clerk, Ruth Williams (GONE GIRL’s Rosamund Pike) while living in London for educational purposes. When he announces their intentions to marry, the interracial couple are met with instant disapproval by the government of both countries and their own families.

A UNITED KINGDOM has been told using a formulaic structure, which may be part of the reason why the storytelling is sometimes stilted and lacking in cohesion between scenes. Nevertheless, these minor and less polished aspects rarely interfere with the deeply engaging plight of its lead character.

Filmed in Botswana and the UK and written by Guy Hibbert (who wrote one of this year’s best films, EYE IN THE SKY), the very earnest nature of the storytelling warrants all of the deserved respect coming the way of its lead character, just as it should and is continually elevated by his rousing story. For those of you reading that don’t already know, I shall not divulge further into what those real-life pursuits, hurdles and accomplishments of Prince Seretse Khama are. However, I will say that A UNITED KINGDOM is capturing so much more than the story of forbidden love it is making apparent.

This clean and unshowy production is further rewarded by the gripping performance given by David Oyelowo. Recommended viewing.

3.5 out of 5 

Trailer 
A UNITED KINGDOM

Viewer Discretion 
PG – Mild themes, violence and coarse language 
The coarse language includes racial epithets and there is also a scene of sensuality

Moviedoc wishes to thank Alicia, Transmission Films and The Backlot Studios for the invitation to the preview screening of A UNITED KINGDOM. 

Review by Moviedoc 
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