The Last King of Scotland (2006)
Strong Violence and Themes
| Director: | Kevin Macdonald |
| Actors: | Forest Whitaker, James McAvoy, Kerry Washington, Gillian Anderson, Simon Mcburney, David Oyelowo, Abby Mukiibi, Adam Kotz, Barbara Rafferty, David Ashton |
It was supposed to be a wild adventure in a far-off country, but when a naive young doctor arrives in 1970's Uganda - hoping for fun, sun and to lend a helping hand - he finds himself instead on a shocking ride into the darkest realm on earth: the human heart. This is the story of The Last King of Scotland, a powerful thriller that recreates on screen the world of Uganda under the mad dictatorship of Idi Amin. Deftly mixing fact and fiction and startlingly resonant with today's world, the film features a tour de force performance from Forest Whitaker as Amin and carves two unforgettable portraits: one of a charismatic but psychopathic ruler who ravaged his country, and the other of a witness to history who finally finds the courage to make a stand.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 118mins |
| Origin: | UNITED KINGDOM |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 Enhanced |
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Member Reviews (270)
270 Member
Reviews
Heather
says
Good acting, great movie and well worth viewing
Renee
says
Excellent portrayal of an African dictators rise with James McAvoys character making it even more interesting. Brilliant acting. Thought provoking on so many levels.
jtbug
says
Normally James Mcavoy annoys the hell out of me, but he was quite good in this (slightly still annoying!), but Forest Whitaker is the real reason to watch this drama-thriller. Utterly compelling, always engrossing. I almost loved it.
Bavin
says
Curious movie that gradually changes genres. It starts out as a bouncy witty lad's adventure, dabbles in romance and buddy movies, becomes claustrophobic and violent, and ends up as a thriller with the young Scottish doctor trying to flee for his life. Add in a great performance from Forest Whitaker and you have a film that gives a lot. Whitaker expertly portrays Idi Amin's oscillation between overgrown child and psychopathic murderer. The backdrop of 1970's Uganda adds uncertainty, instability, and danger to the action. Gets quite gruesome in the end.
Josh
says
A really great movie. Well acted, written and directed.
Bronnie
says
Excellent movie, well acted.
NMN
says
It looked great, but unfortunately, it wouldnt play past the 8 minute mark! Oh well..I guess I will try another DVD and see if I can finish what is considered an excellent movie.
Pat
says
This was brilliant, quite a surprise but a must see!
gladcam
says
an interesting viewpoint of the idi amin regime......I liked the not too famous actor bit. I am sure there was a lot more to it than what is portrayed, but well done- kept me watching......
Mickey G
says
Great film although a little unbelievable in parts. Still it had good acting and a nice story to follow. Not light entertainment.
Marj James
says
I rather enjoyed this Movie, a bit violent though
Jacynta W
says
A very powerful story of an important piece of history. The movie itself can get a bit slow at times but it was overall enjoyable, a bit upsetting though.
Michelle
says
Mostly good, but a few very violent scenes
Jian
says
good movie, made me know more about Africa.
beauty
says
Although wonderful movie I was not prepared for the gruesome scenes.
Somethings are best left to the imagination.
Deirdre R.
says
Although the central character of the Scottish doctor is fictional, he is set against a backdrop of actual events in Uganda during the Idi Amin era. Forrest Whittaker's performance is extraordinary and he undoubtedly deserved his Oscar for this role. The tension builds slowly but inexorably towards a very dramatic conclusion as the doctor becomes aware of the evil and menace of his 'friend' and employer. Definitely worth watching..
David
says
Great insight into Uganda. Highlights violent reign of Idi Amin. Great story
Barbara C.
says
Powerful drama which is not to be missed - left me with a huge ball of emotion in my chest.
Naomi
says
Fantastic movie, but realllly full on!
Deborah
says
This is not a nice movie but the performances were compelling. Forrest Whittaker is almost too real. I woud not like to watch it too often but am pleased I got to at least once.
Peter
says
We enjoyed this movie a lot with the exception that the background music tended to make the voices hard to hear - but we just instead read the subtitles which was a bit of a pain - but the movie was still well worth watching
Heather
says
It was a lot different to what I expected but a great film
Kate
says
the last king of scotland was a brilliant film so well done.
Anashree G.
says
great movie. forrest whitaker is excellent. But definately woth watching again.
Christopher
says
This movie really is way too short for its purpose. You only get glimpses of the plot and character development and at times its hard to know what your supposed to be concentrating on. Its entertaining, I suppose, but you have to really sit down and reflect to realise that this movie is an attempt at characterising a villian. You would actually get a better sense of that from watching the news than this movie.
Corynne
says
Loved it! Brilliant performances by James Mc Avoy (doesn't hurt that he's easy to look at either) and Forrest Whittaker. Captivating story, educational, unbelievable. These are the sort of stories, based on a real period in time that need to be retold so we dont let things like this happen again. I do have to say certain scenes did leave me quite disturbed though. Highly recommended
Belinda
says
it was ok
Elaine C.
says
Powerful movie and acting.
Santosh
says
Beautifully made. Worth spending time and money.
Diane
says
It was a real eye opener. Well done and gives one alot to think about.
David B.
says
James Mcavoy was brilliant in this confronting movie. Great viewing.
Kate T.
says
Worth seeing. Well made. Need to be in the mood to view a serious "drama" though.
Merryl
says
enjoyed this movie, well acted out
Louiza
says
brilliant film. very interesting insight on corruption and manipulation of african government
Sandra
says
Although not familiar with the book I enjoyed this film and thought the acting was good. It gave the viewer an insight into the torrid times of the Idi Amin reign in Uganda. There are a couple of confronting scenes in the latter half of the movie.
Nicki
says
Not a bad movie, I liked the story. James McAvoy annoyed me, I normally like him but not in this movie.
Kerri D.
says
Terrific performance from Forest Whitakker but was
generally disappointed with the movie. Given the
shocking reality of the history of this time and the
severe mental imbalance of Idi Amin, I felt this
movie should have had a darker, more ominous
feel to it. For anyone watching who doesn't know
the history, this movie will not impact the horror of
the atrocities committed.
Christy
says
Wow... just wow. This movie floored me - it is intense, and worth every minute of watching. James McAvoy gives an incredible performance, as usual. Watch it!
Andrew
says
Great performances!
Suzanne
says
Great movie! Did not have any expectations going into it and was pleasantly surprised. Very well acted.
Tara R.
says
One of the best films i have seen this year.
Steve
says
Forest Whitaker is brilliant as Idi Amin and thoroughly deserved his Oscar for his performance. Really well filmed and even though a fictional account, the movie shows the beauty of Uganda while encapturing the brutality of the monster that is Idi Amin.
Steve
says
Forest Whitaker is brilliant as Idi Amin and thoroughly deserved his Oscar for his performance. Really well filmed and even though a fictional account, the movie shows the beauty of Uganda while encapturing the brutality of the monster that is Idi Amin.
Se-Lah
says
dumb
Sanja
says
Wow Forest Whittaker did an amazing job playing the role of Idi Amin. Frighteningly real.
Rob
says
Just could not get into this movie. Still havent seen the whole movie!!!
Sarah P.
says
I have always been a fan of Forest Whittaker, he did not dissapoint in this role. He as always is a brilliant actor. It was a very interesting look into past events, quite shocking at times the story line but I did enjoy it.
David
says
An interesting angle on a horrible murderer. Not for the faint-hearted but a pretty good film adoption of Giles Foden's novel.
Trish
says
Forest Whitaker delivers an amazing performance detailing the rise of brutal dictator Idi Amin. A testament to the saying that all evil needs to flourish is for good people to do nothing.
Louise
says
this movie makes the world seem like we are still just a bunch of raving, blood thirsty and aggressive cavemen. However saying that it was a fantastic movie and a real eye opener as to how naieve we all really are. The plot was so close to the truth is was frightening and the gore was incrediable.
Natalie
says
Vicious and factual, beware but well worth the watch and learn factor. we all have friends like this in life that we need to move away from.
Kathryn
says
Very moving and scary...Forrest is amazing in this role, really believable.
Steve M.
says
Very enjoyable and entertaining film. Forest Whittaker was magnificent.
Joanne
says
Surely Idi Amin - a charismatic despot who forced his African people into a bagpipes band and to wear kilts, a guy who wiped out 300 000 of his own people - is interesting enough to make a film about without having to invent a fictional white guy (who to top it off is so annoying and ingratiating) to revolve the story around. I think it is not only ridiculous but irresponsible. Most people don't know about Ugandan history and to have the first film made about Idi Amin featuring such an influential but ficitonal white guy in it, is a warping of history. The filmmaker (who is a documentarian!!!) should be ashamed. The only saving grace is a brilliant performance by Forrest Whittaker.
zags
says
A well done, powerful, and frightening story.
Sandra S.
says
This was a fantastic movie.Very gripping,Whittaker was excellent as the scary Amin.Bit brutal at the end but well worth a watch ,one of the best movies Ive seen in a long time.
Deborah
says
This movie was really engaging and the leading actors were outstanding. Very interesting.
Kerrin D.
says
Possibly one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. Forrest Whittaker was amazing and you can see why he got an oscar for this performance. Would highly recommend watching this film.
Andre C.
says
Classic
nothing changed in africa - look at Zimbabve now
trustable
Seamus F.
says
very good
Roy W.
says
I have been to Uganda so was interested to see how this movie unwound. A great movie that portrays Idi Amin perfectly. It shows the brutal nature of Africa and I thoroughly loved it!
Daryl S.
says
I was put off this film initially due to the fact that I really couldn't picture Forest Whitaker in the lead role. To his credit he really does come of very well. The story is engaging however did only touch upon a few of the story arcs too briefly (which I guess is one of the issues of novel to film translations at times).
Overall, well worth a look
Ross L.
says
Dominant performance by Forest Whitaker - a fine actor who does his best to deal with a patchy at best story. Forest and the fact the movie is "loosely" based on a true story make it interesting but not compelling viewing. Special features are interesting.
Elspeth N.
says
Excellent though disturbing. Forest Whitaker is just fantastic and so believable as the psychotic and dangerous Amin. Incredible portrayal of the very slippery slope when lines of morality become blurred and finally destroyed. Highly recommended
Kerrianne
says
Loved it, omg I never knew how atrocious this man was and the attrocities he put on others. They go on about Hitler in history this man was up there with him.
Craig Hill
says
Great acting and a powerful movie. Didn't really have that much sympathy for the Scottsh doctor though!
Yvette B.
says
Confronting. This movie had me captivated and, as usual, Whittaker was astounding. A little disappointed with Garrigan although the overall essence of what was endured was there.
A must see!
Belinda S.
says
Good movie, keeps you interested.
Sandra B.
says
Wow, makes you stop and think. Not for everyone but well worth watching if you are familiar with world events of the time.
Eva H.
says
I couldn't sleep after watching it! A well made movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Very good acting and an eye opening story.
CL
says
Interesting film, well acted by James McEvoy and Forrest Whitaker (many of the support cast also do well). Would have liked to see more of Gillian Anderson, but that's just me.
Don't know how much Whitaker diverged from the real Idi Amin, but you certainly believe he is the dictator. Worth a watch.
Steve L.
says
Not bad, starts off well but falls off a bit at the end which was a bit disappointing, would recommend watching it , but i just wonder if it could been so much better.
Lynne A.
says
Couldn't wait to see this movie as have followed Forrest Whittaker for many years and having won an Oscar for his performance maybe built up my expectations too high - disappointed.
Mary B.
says
very powerful performances from Forrest Whittaker + naive 'doctor' Very real depiction of how things were in Uganda
Wayne W.
says
What an intriguing storyline. I believe this to be just a story and not based on any truth but it does it so well. A young Scotsman determined not to lead the colourless life of his Doctor father makes for Uganda to work among the masses. A chance meeting with Idi Amin, the infamous real life dictator of the 70's has him ensconsed as the madman's personal physician and it all moves downhill from there. Very well done, well acted and Idi's charming, mad, scarey persona is well captured.
Anthony B.
says
Faraday M.
says
Faraday M.
says
Tracey R.
says
I didn't even make it all the way through. Not sure what the criteria is to win a best actor Academy Award or how long you have to be in the film. Forgettable performance by Forrest Whittake
Janice C.
says
Good movie, very powerful
Allan K.
says
Lisa R.
says
Jennifer W.
says
This movie was amazing, but two scenes in it, were that horrific, that I haven't recovered since.
Suzanne P.
says
William K.
says
Jane F.
says
I found this movie a little slow at times, but overall it was a good movie. The tension built up effectively by the end and Forest Whittaker's performance was outstanding. I would reccommend it.
Peter C.
says
Very fast paced action movie. Tenuous relationship to the Idi Amin events it lays claim to, but a good watch.
Great, great music by a bevy of Ugandan superstars.
Judith H.
says
fantastic & enlightening
Vincent B.
says
Ashleigh N.
says
Pretty good storyline. Just that the cruel bits are a bit unnerving. If you didn't know the history, you can't really tell if Amin is a great leader or a real wicked one - he had to be one of the thow else there'd be no story.
Claudia S.
says
Nola B.
says
Forrest Whittaker, very convincing. James McAvoy, very tasty. Worth a watch!
Alison M.
says
Rebecca C.
says
Good - but not edgy. Got a bit bored.
Scott B.
says
Genevieve H.
says
I had forgotten just how bad/mad/charming Edi Amin was. The acting is superb, the tension is gripping & the blending of fact & fiction is so believable that unless you actually knew the history, you wouldnt pick it
Lisa H.
says
Awesome film! Forest Whitaker was outstanding.
Nigel W.
says
Naive young doctor goes to Uganda and bites of more than he can chew. Like Hostel it depicts a naive 'backpacker' who foolishly goes looking for adventure and sex in dangerous and remote regions where they fall victim to madmen and sadists. Unlike Hostel the horror under Idi Amin was real. Well worth watching.
K M.
says
Anita A.
says
This was fabulous! We were on the edge of our seats the whole time and loved it.
Must see!!
Samadhi T.
says
very good movie :)
Greg J.
says
Annette B.
says
Excellent performance, worth watching for an insight into the world of corruption and terror
Steven K.
says
Anne M.
says
Great watch - highly recommend this one.
Emma R.
says
It's hard to say who shines the brightest in this film, Forrest Whitaker as Amin or James McAvoy as his slowly corrupted personal physician. The story is as much about the madness of tyrants as it is about the interfering role Europeans have tended to play in African politics since they entered the continent. The Ugandan scenery and people shine in spite of the war going on around them, and viewers are left shell-shocked at the rise and rise of one of the world's worst but most persuasive dictators.
Christopher T.
says
Vanessa C.
says
A fascinating portrayal of the terrifying despot Idi Amin. Fantastic acting by Forrest Whittaker and James McAvoy.
Helen J.
says
What an eye opener. A brilliant insight into Amin's psychopathic regime and well worth watching if you can handle the violence.
Vanessa C.
says
very watchable.
Judy M.
says
Excellent, very disturbing movie..Forrest Whittaker was superb.
Sue Y.
says
Superb performances by Forest Whitaker and James Mcavoy. Watching movies like this always remind me of how lucky I am to live in Australia.
Wendy M.
says
Mal
says
Fascinating Movie. Great drama. Some violence. Surreal.
Esther S.
says
Intense and graphic but a good watch!!!
Yolande S.
says
Shocking real...
Pam F.
says
A very thought provoking movie which gives a valuable insight into the mind of Idi Ahmin,needles to say the mind of a mad man.
A great story line and shows how easy it would be to be caught up in a situation like the main character in the movie.
Karl P.
says
excellent movie, and trajic
Maria J.
says
Disturbing movie about the evil in us and what one will do to hold on to power. Well acted by Forest Whitaker.
Nadine D.
says
this was a very slow movie, but it turned out ok!
Lyndal T.
says
A bit violent for my tastes - but I guess that is some people's reality. A gripping movie that captures the rise in egomania and paranoia of a state leader realistically from a westerner's view. Very touching, very scary at the same time as we see this played out too often in Africa as it is today. The reality is a bit too shocking. Great performances all round.
Cheska W.
says
Great movie and a marvelous insight into Idi Amin and his country at the time.
John F.
says
Terrific movie. Fact and fiction beautifully meshed with a pervasiveness of evil ever present but not graphically shown. A fine cast act beautifully, but Forest Whitaker towers above all in a stunning performance as Amin. Great stuff.
Ray T.
says
Very interesting movie, although some scenes are quite graphic. Forest Whittaker is really compelling.
Usufono F.
says
Human behaviour is very disturbing in this one.
John M.
says
Great movie.
Lorraine R.
says
This movie shows what a crazy and violent person Edi Amin was.
David O.
says
Forest Whittaker is the saving grace of this bio-pic a weak plot and plodding script lower this movies overall rating, acting is brilliant by Whittaker miles in front of co stars, forest's laid back performance hides the evil nature of Amin well ......worth seeing
Patricia A.
says
Great movie, great acting. Got the emotions going. Violent but realistic.
Peggy T.
says
Wycliffe T.
says
Fantastic movie. Worth a watch...
Michele G.
says
A great movie, one that was with me for days.
P. C.
says
Michelle W.
says
Joanne H.
says
Very interesting - makes one think!
Michele G.
says
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. It held my interest all the way through and the acting was superb. Definately a 'must see'.
Jennifer C.
says
An excellent movie, fantastic acting and I thoroughly enjoyed it even though it was fairly brutal in parts
Veronica J.
says
Quite a good movie...a little graphic, but that was what happened
Nick S.
says
says
Judy H.
says
Good thought provoking movie. It is well acted and certainly depicts both the "charisma" and cruelty of Idi Amin. Worth watching.
Roger A.
says
Enjoyed the African locations with the main actor very good in the role.I can recall the hostage incident when the Israel army freed the hostages way back then.The action was good.
Dianne P.
says
This was an extremely moving film and left me with lots of questions
Simon R.
says
Cathie
says
Brilliant portrayal of an evil dictator. How easily the young scottish doctor was taken in by this seemingly charismatic leader; without knowing the full extent of Amin's crimes against his own people.
He went looking for adventure and got a lot more than he bargained for, the ending was completely gripping.
Ronny S.
says
Matthew B.
says
Rivetting film played extremely well by leads McAvoy and Whittaker. I wanted more of Gillian Anderson though!
Daphne C.
says
Excellent movie, great acting hard to get out of your mind.
Kyla V.
says
Gerd H.
says
A story that stays with you when the movie’s over. You know Idi Amin and the horrors of his Uganda are true, but wonder about the young doctor on which the story revolves. Was he real? It’s all so well done you believe so. But maybe he deserved all he got, being naive, seduced and blind to reality.
Robyn K.
says
Ian G.
says
Very good movie about the Idi Amin regime & just how cruel a tyrant he was.
Jack K.
says
Except for Forest Whitaker’s exceptional performance as Idi Amin, the jagged screenplay (loosely “based on real events”) is mediocre and relies too much on reckless behaviour. Amin comes across as a charming but paranoid tyrant without any clear political motives for the carnage his thugs inflict on enemies, real or imagined. The story unfolds through James McAvoy who as Dr. Nicholas Garrigan, a young idealistic Scottish Doctor out for adventure, implausibly always seems to be well placed to attend to Amin’s needs. The tension increases dramatically when Garrigan realizes he is a party to his boss’s crimes and that his life is in danger. Complete with pounding drums, there’s a real Hollywood finish if you like a triumphal flourish.
Richard R.
says
Gary H.
says
An uneasy blend of fact and fiction, the story revolves around a fictional doctor who befriends Idi Amin during his tenure as doctor in Uganda.
This fictional character is very hard to sympathise with and Amin is shown in a favourable light compared to the atrocities he was responsible for.
In turn slow and violent in parts it is an adequate thriller if you take it with a grain of salt.
Kel C.
says
Michael M.
says
Brilliant ! Must see !
Frank M.
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Brett H.
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Kasey B.
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Neal B.
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Tamas K.
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Sean D.
says
Whittaker is amazing once again. Great movie, a must see as an insight in to African history
Heide E.
says
A brilliant movie with a historical content which we can remember and verify only too well! Excellent adaptation, full of suspense and well acted by Forrest Whittaker and James McAvoi (?) Comes highly recommended by our household which has members between 32 and 71 yrs of age.
Christine B.
says
Enjoyed this movie, it keep me on the edge of my seat the whole way through and had me thinking about the ending for days.....
Owen B.
says
Although one of the main characters is purely fictional, it is a very believable and frightening story. That which is factual, would have made it frightening enough, but the inclusion of the young doctor into the mix, makes it far more personal.
As always Forest Whittaker owns the role of Amin, but I have to admit that his 'lazy eye' spooked me a bit. Amin didn't have one, and so this spoilt the portrayal a little for me, but that aside, Whittaker, sucks us in, just as the Doctor was, taking us to a place we really don't want to be. I was amazed to hear in the 'Extras' that some Ugandans still regard Amin as a 'hero', despite him having butchered 300,000 people. There are a couple of notably violent scenes which the squeamish should be aware of, in the second half of the movie. One involving the Doctor and one involving one of Amin's wives, Kay. The first, is of course fictional, but the second, is fact. Truly frightening movie.
Nicole W.
says
An excellent portrayal by Forrest Whittaker of the ruthless dictator, Idi Amin. The movie mixes genuine harsh realities of the Ugandan's leader with a fast paced story that draws you deep into the emotional turmoil felt by all of those surrounding this madman. This is a an experience not to be missed.
Stuart H.
says
A bit slow at first but when you think it's going to be boring, BAM, the action explodes with love, emotions and plenty of action.
Piya A.
says
David M.
says
A fantastic novel turned into a great movie. A fine example how intervention from a colonial nation to sponsor and support a regime can go horribly wrong. great acting with only one truefull yet disturbing scene.
Wayne M.
says
Some gruesome scenes near the end - quite a rivetting movie
Raymond N.
says
Great acting. Some gory scenes but necessary to the film. Great movie.
Aderito P.
says
Eleanor L.
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mu
says
Very good acting in an episode in history that I remember very well. What a monster briliantly played by Forrest Whittaker. Not an enjoyable film, but rivetting anyway.
Alison S.
says
A movie you can watch several times and still truly appreciate. Also giving you some great insight into some African history we might otherwise not know!! Alison S.
Sandra B.
says
Marie D.
says
Brutal film, very well acted but not really for me. Reminded me of Blood Diamond.
Moira W.
says
Gabrielle R.
says
Very interesting, well worth seeing!
Greg W.
says
Tom H.
says
says
David H.
says
Very good film about a difficult subject.Well acted.
Graham L.
says
Jennie F.
says
Grisly but excellent.
Brea R.
says
Intriguing view and insight into a terrible time in history!
This movie draws on many strong emotions in the human psyche. Well directed and a great script. Some gory bits!
Susan P.
says
Forrest Whittaker is brilliant as Idi Amin. Captures the slow decline into meglomania and the Doctor is well played; escaping the claws of his family and England thinking that all his wishes have been answered.
Peter F.
says
A gripping treatment of Idi Amin.
Cliiford G.
says
great movie great acting
Pauline P.
says
Beautiful images mixed with nail-biting terror! Great watch.
Monika E.
says
Leonard C.
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Michelle R.
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John L.
says
Not to be missed, if only for Forrest Whitaker's portrayal of Idi Amin. Charismatic, powerful and murderous all in the same breath.
Lesley L.
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Terence M.
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Peter L.
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Kathleen M.
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Virginia M.
says
Very violent at the end - well acted
Barbara S.
says
Michele G.
says
one of the best movies i have seen
Gilbert W.
says
Great drama. Forrest Whittaker superb in the title role. As exciting as the book.
Sally M.
says
Clare B.
says
Not bad. I would have to agree that the character of the young doctor is totally unsympathetic. Not a patch on Hotel Rwanda.
Vicki S.
says
China Mug
says
Great moving performance.
Warren G.
says
Deene H.
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Michael C.
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Phill D.
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Harry M.
says
An excellent and entertaining film with a good historical setting. Brilliant performance by Whitaker and a great thrill ride of a movie. Well worth watching, exciting, thought provoking, nice look at Uganda and the terrible reign of terror of Idi Amin and good action too.
Dawn P.
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Steven D.
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Niside O.
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David B.
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Bev M.
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Andrew H.
says
Not to be missed, purely because of Forrest Whitaker's portrayal of Idi Amin. Charismatic, powerful and murderous all in the same breath.
Maria C.
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Sandy B.
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Peter R.
says
Excellent acting,must be very close to a true story.
Linda R.
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Maureen S.
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Janice W.
says
Good movie, good acting but a bit graphic at times
Rachel G.
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Janice Y.
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Paul S.
says
Great movie - Forrest Whittaker's performance is well worth the best actor award. There are some violent scenes towards the end. Film does end without closure as to what happens to the main chararcter, Nicholas, as this is said to be based on a true story.
John C.
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Elaine C.
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John C.
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Mercedes M.
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Elizabeth H.
says
Powerful drama, great acting, edge of the seat ending. But a lot of the time I could not hear or understand what they were saying because the background noise was so LOUD!
Donelle T.
says
Great performances from the two lead males, gripping story. Some scenes though were nauseating, so be prepared.
John W.
says
you must keep in mind this is a work of fiction . nicholas garrigan is a fictional character. dont get me wroung amin was a mad man in the end. but i was hoping for a real look at the man not this made up story that just keeps the storys made by the british press in the 1970s going.as a work of fiction this is a good film and worth watching
Alicia H.
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Diane B.
says
Best movie for ages!
Trent S.
says
You might be surprised to learn that this is a piece of fiction, told within Amin's story. The point of this escapes me, but Forest Whittaker is very good.
Bertram T.
says
An excellent movie. Very well directed and the actors were superb.A heart rending story.
Rick P.
says
enjoyed the performance of Forest Whitaker, bloody but not too bloody,
Troy C.
says
a good movie
Roman R.
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David R.
says
Not having read the novel was relieved to see it wasn't just focussed on the Amin carnage as I remember it.Was dubious to order this movie but it kept us riveted
Andrew W.
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Al
says
An amazing movie! very believable portrayal of all characters. An interesting insight into the true character of Idi Amin - a blanced view compared to what we heard at the time of the atrocities. The understated violence (for the most part) made it even more real. On my recommend list.
Jeremy M.
says
Great acting from the two leads, particularly James McEvoy. Forrest Whitaker was a deserved Oscar nod for his portrayal of the Ugandan military dictator Idi Amin. Gillian Anderson seemed a bit of an after-thought in this movie and her role didn't really have much to do with the plot on the whole, but great British accent! I didn't really find this movie too violent as suggested by the rating however lookout for the President's wife in the hospital and a very painfully memorable scene in the duty free section of Uganda's capital's airport. Great film, worth a look, fantastic acting
Kelly F.
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James I.
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excellent
Melissa G.
says
Constantly on the edge of my seat, it was horrific but brilliant.
Howard R.
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Katrina L.
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Helen N.
says
Very powerful and intriguing look at a well known figure in histroy. The extras on the DVD were very informative.
The acting top class
Wayne M.
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Jodi M.
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Maureen E.
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Fiona R.
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Charles A.
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Tanja C.
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Phil S.
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Greg B.
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Clare R.
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Very brutal in parts.An interesting portrait of a psychopathic leader and a naieve and adventurous young Scottish doctor .
Debbie W.
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Selvi D.
says
Excellent movie
Simon T
says
A moving and emotional story that depicts the charisma, madness and power of Idi Amin and the naivety of a young, idealogical doctor. Fantastic performances throughout. Highly recommended.
Graham C.
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Kylee M.
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Marcia D.
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wesman
says
"UGANDA OH YEAH!"
Brilliant fictional story of the historical, infamous figure that was Idi Amin. Forrest Whitaker deserved his Best Actor Oscar for this performance.
Lynn P.
says
An unforgettable experience; very well acted; great screen play from a book based on historically significant issues. seemed to be a realistic and balanced portrayal of this Ugandan era. Now want to read the book!
Shane C.
says
Very powerful perfomance from Forest Whittaker. Good pace and tension throughout.
sunbad
says
Very very different to Giles Foden's prize-winning novel, this veers into sheer, hysterical silliness by the end. Although James McAuley is a talented young actor, his portrayal of Nicholas Garrigan, the young Scottish doctor, is both callow and shallow, resulting in very little sympathy - in fact, you start to suspect Amin might have done us all a favour by eating him! Forrest Whittaker I just don't get - he seems to play the same droopy-eye, shambolic man-bear in all his films - where was Ving Rhames? Overall, disappointing.