'A United Kingdom' tackles colonialism & discrimination, is more than an against-all-odds love story
“A United Kingdom,” which stars David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike, tells the true story of Prince Seretse Khama of Botswana, who controversially married a British woman and brought her to his home. Together, the twe two faced the hardship of having their separate worlds pull them apart.
"A United Kingdom" begins with Prince Seretse, portrayed by Oyelowo, studying in London in 1947 . While there, he mets Ruth Williams, who is portrayed by Pike. The two fall in love over their passion for jazz music and dancing. One night, the prince proposes and the two are quickly engaged. However, most parties in the couple’s lives just as quickly oppose their upcoming marriage.
Arguably more frightening than Ruth’s father and Seretse’s uncle and regent, is a visit from Alistair Canning, who is portrayed by Jack Davenport. Canning, a civil servant from the British government, warns Ruth about what their interracial marriage could do, considering the political landscapes of their countries. The two proceed to Botswana anyway, where they win their simplest battle against Seretse’s uncle.
At the time, Botswana -- then called Bechuanaland -- is still a British protectorate and under the control of imperial overlords. Meanwhile, South Africa is at the beginning of implementing an apartheid legislation. The British, on one hand, need access to South Africa for its minerals and uranium. On the other , South Africa extends its political arm and tries to coerce the British to keep Seretse away from his people and his rightful throne. The British government complies and Seretse is banished from his home.
More than a complicated and troublesome love story, “A United Kingdom” discusses colonialism, the lure of power and a time of an empire that is rarely spoken of. Despite making headlines in the 1940s and 1950s, there is little to no common knowledge of the remarkable life that Seretse and Ruth lived together.
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Directed by Amma Asante (“Belle”) and written by Guy Hibbert (“Eye In The Sky”), “A United Kingdom” opens in Australian theatres on Boxing Day, Dec. 26.
Watch the official trailer of "A United Kingdom"
