Rotten Tomatoes

Movies / TV

    Celebrity

      No Results Found

       View All       Movies Tv shows Shop News Showtimes

      Mandela

      Released Mar 21, 1997 2h 0m Documentary List
      71% Tomatometer 7 Reviews 85% Audience Score 1,000+ Ratings This documentary follows the beloved South African leader Nelson Mandela from his early days to his presidency, depicting South Africa and its turbulent years during apartheid control, which was brought to an end in 1994 with the nation's democratic election of Mandela as president. Focus is placed on Mandela's early education, his personal relationships, and his political activism for the African National Congress, which led to his 27-year imprisonment for sabotage. Read More Read Less Watch on Fandango at Home Premiered Oct 17 Buy Now

      Where to Watch

      Mandela

      Fandango at Home

      Rent Mandela on Fandango at Home, or buy it on Fandango at Home.

      Critics Reviews

      View All (7) Critics Reviews
      Rosalind Bentley Minneapolis Star Tribune The result is a piece much like its subject -- dignified, thoughtful, measured, forthcoming to a point, but warmed with moments of charm, wit and passion. Rated: 4/5 Jan 26, 2022 Full Review Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times What a fascinating portrait this film paints of Mandela! Rated: 3/4 Jan 1, 2000 Full Review Andrew L. Urban Urban Cinefile The importance of the events in Mandela's life have seemingly constrained the filmmakers and made some of the key moments feel heavy handed. Yet even so, the film does manage to convey the notion that a single human being can change the world Feb 1, 2014 Full Review Louise Keller Urban Cinefile It's a powerhouse of a film: informative, powerful, moving, involving and inspirational with Idris Elba outstanding in the title role Feb 1, 2014 Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Rated: 2/5 Jun 30, 2005 Full Review Steve Rhodes Internet Reviews It is a shame that the Academy ignores so many brilliant documentaries (Hoop Dreams) while nominating high-minded, but bland ones like Mandella. Rated: 2/4 Jul 25, 2002 Full Review Read all reviews

      Audience Reviews

      View All (11) audience reviews
      Audience Member A great man,a legend.a mentor to me Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/14/23 Full Review Audience Member Young boys were taken to circumcision school Mandela tells the tale of Nelson Mandela from his early childhood in an African tribe, to the death of his parents and adoption, to his transition through the education system and early odd jobs, and finally his rise through the legal system and as a political figure. Mandela tells an amazing tale that includes interviews with the man and an inside glimpse to his personal life and relations with his family and country. "He was a black man with an office and a typist." Angus Gibson (Cross Roads and Heartline) and Jo Menell collaborate to deliver Mandela. The storyline for this picture is fascinating and well told. The political views of Mandela are well documented; however, the story of his upbringing, the expectations placed on him, and his perspectives were fascinating. I was also shocked by the depiction of his relationships, or lack there of, with his family including his wives and children. "I answered in the language of stone." I found this movie interesting and a well told story of a man that sacrificed a lot for the benefit of many. I found it interesting how much Mandela seemed to have in common with Martin Luther King (he actually seems like a modern day Martin Luther King). Mandela is a very impressive man that has accomplished a lot for his people. "The land shall be shared by those that tend it." Grade: B Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/19/23 Full Review Audience Member Amazing biopic of Mandela detailing the path from childhood to greatness. Realistic, factual and displays the humble, human side of one of the greatest men to walk the face of this planet. Best moments - His funny side evidenced by his quips and remarks peppered throughout the film are the scenes you should watch out for. A lesson in history and how it was made. Engrossing and spellbinding, a must-see. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/14/23 Full Review Audience Member What I liked about this documentary is the beautiful green Transvaal. I have taken a course in South African History and always wanted to visit for this seen. It’s just amazing my idea for Africa has always been different. What I hate about he movie is Mandela been treated like Stalin in every village. I am sorry I come from a former communist country and this holiday visits of the demigod to his ancestral home makes me sick. I have deep respect for Mandela, although I am not sure why. His soft and humble domineer (I saw Desmond Tutu recently in DC they have similar presence). I did not see the whole movie, and I did not find it engaging. I tried the listed to the soundtrack, which starts with a dumb cult of personality song and then continues in a low quality jazzy tone, nothing really ethnic and impressive. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/25/23 Full Review Audience Member most respectted african now Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/24/23 Full Review Audience Member Documental biografico de la vida Nelson Mandela quien estuvo en prision por 27 años, su unico crimen pedir la igualdad de derechos de los negros en una tierra de negros gobernada por una minoria razista de blancos. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/17/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

      Cast & Crew

      Show Less Cast & Crew Show More Cast & Crew

      More Like This

      View All Best Movies to Stream at Home
      94% 88% The Agronomist 94% 71% Long Night's Journey Into Day 80% 76% Jimmy Carter: Man From Plains 98% 94% When We Were Kings 86% 84% A Place Called Chiapas Discover more movies and TV shows. View More

      Photos

      View All Mandela photos

      Mandela

      Mandela (1996) Mandela (1996) Mandela (1996) Mandela (1996) Mandela (1996) View more photos

      Movie Info

      Synopsis This documentary follows the beloved South African leader Nelson Mandela from his early days to his presidency, depicting South Africa and its turbulent years during apartheid control, which was brought to an end in 1994 with the nation's democratic election of Mandela as president. Focus is placed on Mandela's early education, his personal relationships, and his political activism for the African National Congress, which led to his 27-year imprisonment for sabotage.
      Director
      Jo Menell, Angus Gibson
      Producer
      Chris Blackwell, Dan Genetti
      Distributor
      Island Pictures
      Production Co
      Clinica Estetico, Island Pictures
      Genre
      Documentary
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Theaters)
      Mar 21, 1997, Original
      Release Date (Streaming)
      Nov 30, 2016
      Runtime
      2h 0m
      Most Popular at Home Now