Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Nelson Mandela deserves a great movie. This isn't it.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
What's the Story?
The story begins with Nelson Mandela (Idris Elba) in his twenties, practicing law in Johannesburg, South Africa. He meets and marries his first wife, and eventually divorces her. He becomes directly involved in the fight against apartheid, becomes a leader, and eventually turns to violence. Meanwhile, he meets and marries Winnie (Naomie Harris), who would eventually become a national figure herself. But in 1962, Mandela's organization, the African National Congress, is declared a terrorist group, and he is arrested. Given a life sentence, he serves 27 years before being released in 1992. Still fighting for freedom, he runs for president and wins in 1994, wherein he begins using his influence to end apartheid.
Is It Any Good?
Nelson Mandela deserves a great movie about his life, and though actor Idris Elba does an admirable job capturing the man's spirit throughout many years, this particular movie is rather poor. It hits only highlights, going over important events like a checklist, without ever digging very deep. These moments come across as if they were merely fated to be, rather than occurring dramatically or naturally. As a result, the character comes across as an untouchable, unrealistic superhero rather than a person, and all the other people in his life appear as ciphers. The movie barely even identifies them, much less introduces them. Director Justin Chadwick, who also made the dreadful The Other Boleyn Girl, never seems invested in the material. Not a scene passes that doesn't seem to borrow ideas from dozens of other movies. It's all quite passionless, although actress Naomie Harris, as Winnie Mandela, eventually gets in a few powerful moments during the second half.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the movie's violence. How disturbing is it? Does it get its point across? Would the movie have the same impact without the violence?
Were you familiar with Nelson Mandela before seeing this movie? What did you learn? Were you inspired to learn more?
Can you imagine being separated from your loved ones for so long? How did this separation affect Mandela's relationships? What would you do?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 29, 2013
- On DVD or streaming : March 18, 2014
- Cast : Idris Elba , Naomie Harris , Tony Kgoroge
- Director : Justin Chadwick
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Weinstein Co.
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : History
- Run time : 139 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some intense sequences of violence and disturbing images, sexual content and brief strong language
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate