Rotten
This biopic is part hagiography, part expose, and gravely incoherent.
Michael Sragow, Orange County Register
Winnie Mandela
Her courage inspired a nation.
2011 · 1h 47m · R
Drama
Directed by
Darrell James Roodt
Overview
A drama that chronicles the life of Winnie Mandela from her childhood through her marriage and her husband's incarceration.
Director and cast
- Darrell James Roodt Director
- Jennifer Hudson as Winnie Mandela
- Terrence Howard as Nelson Mandela
- Elias Koteas as Colonel de Vries
- Wendy Crewson as Mary Botha
- Angelique Pretorius as Marcia
- Karl Thaning as Ferry Policeman
- Conrad Kemp as Brandfort Policeman
- Garth Breytenbach as Roadblock Policeman
- David Dennis as Chairperson Truth & Reconciliation Commission
- Mary-Ann Barlow as TRC Reporter
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
15%
Tomatometer
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
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
Rotten
Despite the marquee names and their obvious talent, the film feels like a made-for-TV movie.
Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post
Rotten
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
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