James Gregory (Joseph Fiennes) with language skills is recruited as the censor officer to watch over prisoner Nelson Mandela (Dennis Haysbert). His wife Gloria (Diane Kruger) is eager for the promotion. He is a true believer in fighting the African communists and would prefer to have Mandela hung for treason. His childhood on a farm and friendship with native boy Bafana had taught him the languages. James starts to see problems with the oppressive apartheid system and becomes an advocate for Mandela's rights.
By all accounts, James Gregory was a professional jailer and a kind one as much as they were allowed to be. I don't see any big problems with some minor tall tales. There may be some history police coming for this. The movie faces bigger problems. James Gregory could never face more danger than the situation for other people during this time. It feels minor by comparison no matter how much the movie pumps it up. Haysbert is a solid Mandela. He doesn't have the look but he does have the presence. Joseph Fiennes is a great actor and a solid lead here.
By all accounts, James Gregory was a professional jailer and a kind one as much as they were allowed to be. I don't see any big problems with some minor tall tales. There may be some history police coming for this. The movie faces bigger problems. James Gregory could never face more danger than the situation for other people during this time. It feels minor by comparison no matter how much the movie pumps it up. Haysbert is a solid Mandela. He doesn't have the look but he does have the presence. Joseph Fiennes is a great actor and a solid lead here.