Key historical figures, many whose backgrounds and importance have been neglected or even covered, continue to make their way to Hollywood to be told via the silver screen. David Oyelowo has portrayed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Robert Katende (“Queen of Katwe”), and now Prince Seretse Khama in “A United Kingdom.” Written by Guy Hibbert and directed by Amma Asante, the film also stars Rosamund Pike (“Gone Girl”), Jack Davenport (“The Good Wife”), and Tom Felton (“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”).
The story takes us back to the late 1940’s, post-World War II in Great Britain where the young Prince Kahma is completing his education in preparation to become the King and leader of his homeland, Botswana. One fateful evening, he meets and falls in love with Ruth Williams (Pike), a white girl from a middle-class family. Interracial relationships such as this were more than frowned upon and the fallout from both families and the countries’ politics are far more grand than either could have predicted. At its core is a love story, but this film is also a testament to politics and the lengths to which a country will go to protect itself. The film beautifully blends the passion of love and the fight for what’s right amidst political chaos.
“A United Kingdom” sublimely captures the love and immediate connection between Ruth and Seretse. You can feel their bond and as their relationship develops, they are truly interconnected, needing one another to succeed and live. Creating a script that brings this love to life is rarely seen, but to expertly portray the high-stakes politics and cut-throat antics that weigh upon the relationship and the countries’ futures is quite remarkable, to say the least. This, however, cannot be conveyed without the expertise of the director and exceptionally talented actors. Oyelowo finds a certain regal grace to portray Seretse, quite fitting for the role. He blends an overt refinement and emotional passion that one would expect from a man in his character’s position. We feel his strength in his words and our heart breaks as we see him suffer the loss of being separated from the love of his life. Pike isn’t the stereotypical superwoman leader that saves the day—she’s real. She’s in love, she cares, and she creates a sense of empathy in a situation while you and I may not be in, we can still relate to. Pike and Oyelowo create a chemistry that is palpable and weave this into an historically significant story that is still relevant to today.
While the story, acting, and directing create a compelling story, I must also comment, even briefly, on the costuming and cinematography. This completes the story as we are transported not only back in time, but also to England and Botswana. We feel the dust and dirt swirling around our feet and our heads. Our breath is taken away from the exhaustion and heat. And emotionally, we identify with each and every character and group, seeing things from their perspective.
“A United Kingdom” is an exemplary film, telling an untold part of world history. It’s a heartfelt love story that believably weaves together the importance of love, doing what’s right, and fighting for our liberties. The political decisions while unsettling, balance the story, driving it forward. A fictional tale couldn’t have been created any better than this true story.
To hear David Oyelowo talk about his film, go to www.archive.org/details/AUnitedKingdom