The Last King

Rating: 10/10 (11 August 2013)

Last King of Scotland delivers a gripping and at times disturbing tour de force of historical fiction in which no one is quite as good as they seem even in comparison to the terrifying dictator who watches over it all. Terrifying is an apt description of Forest Whitaker's incredible performance as the Ugandan dictator Idi Amin. Delivering a large than life spectacle of insanity that is truly horrifying without even needing to show the deeds Whitaker is worthy of an Oscar. McAvoy is also brilliant as the 'innocent' Scottish doctor who is the dictator's 'closest adviser', staying with the Whitaker to see all the horror first hand. Though a dramatised character he remains plausible and it can be almost sickening to watch through his eyes the terror of the regime. A stunningly powerful film which delivers in all areas The Last King of Scotland is a powerful gripping spectacle not for the faint of heart that you do not want to miss.