A United Kingdom
“A United Kingdom” is frustratingly safe for a movie about two people so in love with each other that they risked everything to be together their families, homes, even countries.
The former king of Botswana’s true story and late-1940s marriage to the British woman caused international uproar. But “A United Kingdom” is restrained to a fault. Director Amma Asante hits all expected notes in typically tasteful fashion. She has gifted, gorgeous actors in stars David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike. And she has an undeniably inspiring story to tell.
It’s also well made and well-intentioned. But Asante is saddled with a script from Guy Hibbert that spells out everything for the audience and oversimplifies its theoretically complex characters. Oyelowo’s Seretse Khama was exiled from then-British protectorate Bechuanaland for long stretches of time for following his heart, angering and alienating his uncle (Vusi Kunene), who raised him as his own son, by bringing home a white woman to be their people’s queen.
Similarly, Pike’s Ruth Williams drew the ire of her closed-minded father (Nicholas Lyndhurst) for marrying a black man; at the same time, the poor citizens of Bechuanaland didn’t exactly welcome this elegant foreigner with open arms especially since the British government wouldn’t let Khama come back home due to South Africa ’s burgeoning apartheid beastliness lurking nearby Ruth was forced spend her pregnancy alone ; she gave birth to daughter without him there at rural hospital.
Drama! Rich emotions! It’s all here. But as presented, Khama and Ruth are singularly virtuous. Oh sure, they cry abit soften times . He pushes some papers off desk one brief fit rage . But individually havehat knack both saying just right thing most poignant moment . And while definitely share nice chemistry especially during courtship it’s never one that indicates sort of deep passion which must have compelled these historical figures’ sacrifice.
Their early days do provide a warm spark, though, and they’re among the film’s best. Law student Khama meets vivacious clerk Ruth at a dance in 1947 London; their shared love of dancing and jazz albums makes this section race along with an energy that perfectly captures the breathless thrill of falling in love.
However, his education overseas has positioned him well and it’s time to take charge of his nation as stated by Khama’s uncle through a letter. Alone is not how he wants to do it though; Ruth comes with him, his bride a private decision with global consequences they never could have expected. (Asante works alongside cinematographer Sam McCurdy to create a breathtaking juxtaposition between the foggy coldness of England and sunny expanse of Africa.)
Paradoxically, “A United Kingdom” becomes less interesting as things get more important. Much of this has to do with the fact that the British government officials who keep them apart are portrayed as such one dimensionally villainous characters. One is played by Tom Felton, aka Draco Malfoy, who had more character development over the course of the “Harry Potter” series.
It’s so clear good versus evil that it almost becomes dull. These guys mercifully don’t twirl their mustaches but they do sip sherry in a comical representation of their condescension and cruel authority.
He can give a speech with fire and earnestness, as we know from “Selma.” She can show vulnerability along with fierce feminine strength once again here. And still in “A United Kingdom,” we see just enough hints at these actors’ abilities to wish for better material.
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