Just a short time after the great man’s passing, MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM was released. The much awaited film of Mandela’s autobiography has been adapted for the big screen by William Nicholson, is directed by Justin Chadwick and stars Idris Elba as Nelson and Naomi Harris as Winnie.

Unfortunately, the results are mixed. There are parts of the film which drag. There is an inordinately long period of the movie spent on focusing on the ladies man side to Nelson Mandela, his relationship with his first wife and family, and the courtship of his second wife.

The movie omits his time training as a lawyer but slavishly covers the other periods till his rise to elected leader of South Africa.

His invitation to join the African National Congress (ANC), his role as the pacifist and at times maverick leader, are clearly depicted. His many achievements and his time in prison are covered though it feels at times a little too superficially.

There are strong repercussions between the colour of one’s skin and the ‘power’ that one has within the prison system, and this is clearly depicted in the experiences that Nelson and his fellow ANC leaders have during their internment.

There are striking scenes depicting Winnie Mandela leading her people in violent street protests, and how this comprises Nelson’s relationship with her.

The radical change in his treatment on release is saved from being ‘heavy handed’ by good scripting and acting.

Some cinema patrons may be put off by the disparity in looks between the actors playing Nelson and Winnie, and the original Nelson and Winnie.

Summing up, this was a mostly well acted, at times laboured biopic, which maintains the dignity of its revered subject.