Intriguing African Thriller

Rating: 7/10 (22 January 2007)

Africa is in. Whether its stars adopting babies or directors making movies. Africa is in. The latest film to capture the continent is "The Last King in Scotland' a story based on Ugandan dictator, Amin (Forest Whitaker), who befriends a young, Scottish doctor, Garrigan (McAvoy), during his regime in the 1970s. The result is an intriguing African thriller directed by Kevin MacDonald.
The strength of the movie is the acting performances by both Whitaker and McAvoy. Whitaker won the golden globe for best actor, and deservedly so. His character is horrifying and likable, all at the same time. Likewise, McAvoy is vibrant and versatile, this will certainly be his breakout role.
The plot chronicles the relationship of the two men. Garrigan is Amin's personal doctor and becomes so entrenched with the President's life that it becomes impossible for him to accept the fact that Amin is more than just the charismatic statesmen.
The story was well documented but in the end it really didn't stand out from any other African movies I have seen recently. MacDonals uses a distorted coloring tone for the film, similar to Meirelles in "The Constant Gardener." And the film has disturbing moments like in 'Hotel Rwanda." Let's be honest, many movies based in Africa have disturbing scenes, because Africa is not the most cheery of all places. There are diseases, poverty, violence, political unrest, etc. There are some scenes in this movie which will make even the strongest of viewers squirm, even though it is all done very well.
The ending result is an intriguing African thriller. Forest Whitaker and James McAvoy are the movie and carry the movie, successfully. Kevin MacDonald does a good job as director and the end result is a solid two hour of entertainment.
7 out of 10!