Memorable violence - not for children

Rating: Null/10 (6 November 2007)

Starring Forrest Whittaker. Whittaker looks more like the real Idi Amin than Idi Amin ever did. Amin took over Uganda in a military coup against what was considered Britain's puppet government in the early 1970's. With that done, he became the President, and, oddly enough, gained a fetish for all things Scottish, since they too sent the English packing. We watch this semi-true story unfold through the eyes of a fictional character, first impressed and dazzled by Amin and his ensuing power, later suspicious and horrified by what might be the truth of his rule. This is NOT a film for children, and although the violence is not often shown (by contemporary standards), WHEN it's shown, it's memorable. Whittaker does a great job as the manic/depressive, power crazy, paranoid killer, Idi Amin. The fictional character (of a young doctor) gives an unbroken thread to this story, which allows for the tension to be established and move along. I have watched it twice this year.