Distant and obvious, it takes a story with many angles and reduces its edges, becoming a glorified TV movie.
– Joe Neumaier,
New York Daily News,
5 Sep 2013
rotten:
Despite the marquee names and their obvious talent, the film feels like a made-for-TV movie.
– Michael O'Sullivan,
Washington Post,
5 Sep 2013
rotten:
"Winnie Mandela'' really stumbles when it comes to depicting the couple's painful separation, which the film suggests resulted more from politics than Winnie's infidelity.
– Lou Lumenick,
New York Post,
6 Sep 2013
fresh:
It would have benefited the film if Roodt had been as bold with the mechanics of his storytelling as he is with his inclusion of the title character's less savory moments. But its strengths, particularly the two lead performances, far outweigh its flaws.
– Alonso Duralde,
TheWrap,
6 Sep 2013
rotten:
This biopic is part hagiography, part expose, and gravely incoherent.