A United Kingdom
A United Kingdom2016 – 1hr 48 min – Cert 12A: racist language, moderate violence
Genre: Romance, drama
Directed by: Amma Asante
Cast includes: David Oyelowo, Rosamund Pike, Tom Felton, Laura Carmichael, Jack Davenport, Charlotte Hope
Bookings: email filmnight@rockbournevillagehall.org.uk
or phone Lucy Matthews 01725 518695
A UNITED KINGDOM is based on extraordinary true events. In 1947 Seretse Khama is the soon to be the chieftain of the largest tribe in the Protectorate of Bechuanaland which later became the Republic of Botswana. Khama was studying law in London when he met Ruth Williams, a Lloyds insurance clerk, at a dance. They had much in common and quickly fell in love, but their proposed marriage was challenged not only by their families and the tribal chiefs, but also by the South African and British governments. For South Africa, in the process of introducing apartheid, the notion of a biracial couple ruling a neighbouring country was intolerable. South Africa threatened the UK government: either thwart the couple or be denied access to South African gold and uranium and face the threat that they might invade their neighbour. The British foreign office had a traditional horror of miscegenation: love had a virtually impossible task to ‘conquer all’. They nevertheless married in London in 1948, and Seretse Khama later became the first President of Botswana when it gained independence in 1966, when he was also knighted.
Believe it or not, this film is a gentle, very touching and inspiring romance, largely because of the superb creative team. Director Amma Asante, who made the charming Elle which was shown at a Rockbourne film night last year, has a sure touch when dealing with this potentially tricky subject Actors Rosamund Pike and David Oyelowo are, as always, very strong and believable. Their love triumphed over every obstacle flung in their path and in so doing they inspired the world.
A ‘feel-good’ film of the highest quality. John Crome
Doors open 7:00pm, Film 7:30 £6, Supper 9:45 £6, wine £11/bottle
Pay at the door, last bookings 1200 Sunday 16th April
Please note: if fully booked, no-shows may be charged for the film and supper
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Next film (tbc): Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them