★★★★
A United Kingdom could be renamed Politics And Prejudice. This film tells the extraordinary true story of when Seretse Khama, the King of Bechuanaland (now Botswana), fell in love with and married a determined English woman named Ruth Williams in 1948.
The film stars David Oyelowo (Selma) and Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl) as the two lovers in this biracial marriage, and they put in strong performances and share a persuasive and lovely chemistry.
The union between this African man and white woman was challenged by the South African government of the day, which had just introduced its apartheid legislation. That government also put pressure on the British to publicly intervene. The couple had to deal with society’s conservative ideas at the time, as well as mounting pressure from their respective families. When Williams gave birth to their first child in the sweeping African plains, Khama was exiled and stuck in the UK.
Sure enough, A United Kingdom offers an inspiring and sentimental story of love conquering all, with geography, politics, family and the establishment failing to keep the couple apart.
It’s a beautifully shot and convincing drama from director Amma Asante (Belle), and a safe yet moving look at an important chapter in history. This was a brave couple who united and took on the world, and such a story of unity seems more timely and relevant today than ever.
A United Kingdomopens in cinemas on Monday December 26.
