A great movie about individual and national greatness.

Rating: 9/10 (19 May 2010)

On my first trip to South Africa, I was taken to the top of Table Mountain. My host pointed out into the Bay. He said, "That is Robbin Island. That is where we kept Nelson. He might have been bitter." On the fact that he was not bitter, history turns.
I have since visited Robbin Island and seen Nelson's cell, now a national shrine. It was smaller than most American elevators.
On a more recent trip, not to say my last, to South Africa, I chaired a professional conference. In my concluding remarks from the chair, I got to tell my audience how proud I am of them and that I take pride in telling their story wherever I travel.
A recent review of this movie suggested that "Nelson," what everyone calls him, deserves to be even more revered than he is. Of course, the reviewer assumes that the portrayal of Nelson in the movie is an accurate portrayal of the greatness of the man. One might well hope that if a movie were to be made of one's life, that one might be portrayed by Morgan Freeman, unlikely in my case because of race.
In any case, Nelson Mandela is a giant of modern history, one who led others to greatness by example. He deserves to be played by Morgan Freeman. Would that I might.
It is a really good movie about a Country that has prevailed under conditions that most of us would not wish on our worst enemies. Enjoy.