A Must See

Rating: 8/10 (29 November 2011)

FIrst of all, I should start by saying I had very little knowledge of the real-life events on which this film is based prior to my viewing. This film truly has the audience gripped in the story of Dr. Nicholas Garrigan from the very moment he steps foot in Uganda. Although the character can be rather unlikeable at times and seem a little selfish, one can really find oneself investing in the character and hoping for his wellbeing when things go awry. The color palette of it also really helps to capture the feeling of Africa and specifically Uganda.
However, it is the fantastic performance of Forest Whitaker that really steals this show. Forest's portrayal of the Ugandan leader Idi Amin is both breathtaking and captivating. Whitaker manages to capture the subtleties of the character while still making the character an imposing and larger than life man, thereby creating a believably psychotic character.
Although there are a few very minor plot holes and the introduction of a character that leads to no pay off, there is not much to complain about in this film. It is a very definite MUST SEE and certainly deserves an Oscar to its name.