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LAST KING OF SCOTLAND

With Forest Whitaker, James McAvoy, Gillian Anderson, Kerry Washington, David Oyelowo, Chris Wilson, Stephen Rwangyezi

Directed by Kevin Macdonald

Idi Amin was one of the most notorious African leaders coming to prominence in the 1970s. His taking over of Uganda with a military coup had the people rejoice in the hope of a new era. His promises were in fact backed by torture and murder as he knocked off his opponents, his paranoia even turning on those close to him.
This very entertaining, informative and thought provoking film looks at Amin through the eyes of a young Scottish doctor, Nicholas Garrigan, who heads to Africa after graduation for a new experience. His path crosses with the Ugandan leader. His Scottish heritage is a passion of Amin’s, leading to him taking Garrigan under his wing as his personal doctor, friend, confidant and advisor. Blinded by the man’s charm, Nicholas does not see the gradual downward spiral of the mismanagement of Uganda and the indiscriminate killing of those opposing Amin. The rude awakening comes when someone close to him is brutally murdered and his own life hangs in the balance.
The great all-round performances led to Whitaker palming the Best Actor statuette at the Academy Awards for his role as Idi Amin. X-Files star Gillian Anderson takes a low key role as an English doctor assisting in Uganda, while James McAvoy (who’s been at it since 1995 and played the Faun in Narnia) also delivers a fine performance as Nicholas, enamoured by the country, continent, its people and this brand new experience.

5 / C
- PB

1 2 3 4 5 6
A
- B - C



6 - Volcanic
5 - Blistering
4 - Hot
3 - Smolder
2 - Room Temp.
1 - Fizzled
0 - Extinguished

A: Multiple Viewing Potential
B: Deserves Another Look
C: Once Should Suffice

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