Mandela Day 2023: 5 Best films about Nelson Mandela’s life

One of the world’s most iconic leaders, Nelson Mandela’s journey as an anti-apartheid activist has inspired the young and old alike. Every year, July 18 (his birthday) is marked as the ‘Nelson Mandela International Day’ (or simply, ‘Mandela Day’), in recognition of his contribution toward humanity and the fight that he put up for for 67 years to gain social justice. 

Over the years, several films have been made on the life of the revolutionary leader and the former President of South Africa. This Mandela Day, AI recommends these memorable movies for you… 

1. Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013) 

Directed by Justin Chadwick, this biographical film stars Idris Elba as Nelson Mandela. The plot of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom chronicles his early life, his involvement in the African National Congress (ANC), his imprisonment on Robben Island, and his eventual release and election as South Africa’s first black president.

2. Winnie Mandela (2011) 

Featuring Jennifer Hudson as Winnie Mandela and Terrence Howard as Nelson Mandela, this biographical drama delves into the life of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Nelson Mandela’s former wife, and her role in the anti-apartheid struggle while Mandela was imprisoned. Winnie Mandela is directed by Darrell Roodt.

3. Invictus (2009) 

This sports drama features Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela and Matt Damon as François Pienaar, the captain of the South African rugby team. Directed by Clint Eastwood, Invictus showcases Mandela’s efforts to use the 1995 Rugby World Cup as a means to unite the racially divided nation.

4. Goodbye Bafana (2007) 

Also known as The Color of Freedom, this Bille August directorial stars Joseph Fiennes as James Gregory, a prison guard who was responsible for watching over Nelson Mandela during his imprisonment. Goodbye Bafana explores the relationship that developed between Gregory and Mandela during those years.

5. Mandela and de Klerk (1997) 

Starring Sidney Poitier as Nelson Mandela and Michael Caine as Frederik Willem de Klerk, this made-for-television drama film is helmed by Joseph Sargent. Featuring Sidney Poitier and Michael Caine as key characters, Mandela and de Klerk focuses on the historic events leading to the end of apartheid in South Africa and the negotiations between Mandela and de Klerk that eventually led to Mandela’s release from prison.

About the author: Chandragupta is part human brain, part generative AI. The former provides intellect, while the latter does the heavy lifting of an artificial neural network. The name, if you haven’t already worked it out, is a backronym of ChatGPT.