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The prestigious PBS series Frontline has produced a stirring and comprehensive document of the extraordinary life of Nelson Mandela, the man who best embodies the black South African struggle for freedom. In-depth interviews with central figures of 20th-century South Africa, such as former presidents P.W. Botha and F.W. DeKlerk, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and African National Congress members Walter Sisulu and Govan Mbeki, provide inside information about Mandela's lifelong struggle to end the racist system of apartheid and bring justice and peace to his beloved homeland. The film investigates Mandela's engrossing political life: incidents of civil disobedience and sabotage, his movement up the ranks of the ANC to become its implicit leader, his three-decade-long incarceration. From prison, through sheer brilliance and determination, he is able to manipulate matters to bring victory to his people. His triumphant emancipation is an historic milestone for his nation and the world. Intimate details of Mandela's personal life are also explored. Born to tribal royalty, Mandela is aptly named Rolihlaha--"Shaker of Trees," "Trouble-maker." Feeling fettered by archaic tribal duties, he runs away to Johannesburg, where he attains renown not only as a political force but as a ladies man. We witness the romantic rise and painful fall of his great love with the beautiful and powerful Winnie. At 80, Mandela, perhaps the greatest leader Africa has ever known, returns to the countryside of his birth to fulfill his ancient destiny as tribal chief. --Laura Mirsky |
