Impressive performances from Pike and Oyelowo ground this solid melodrama
Based on real events, A United Kingdom chronicles a love story that flourishes during a time of colonialism, despite being met with resistance from racial and imperial elements. Beginning in 1947, Ruth Williams (Rosamund Pike), an office worker in London, meets law student Seretse Khama (David Oyelowo) at a party. Their romance begins, and she soon discovers he is next in line to inherit the throne of Bechuanaland (later Botswana). Their marriage alienates Ruth’s father, but they find even greater fallout when they return to Seretse’s homeland, finding that members of the royal family, questioning his decision to marry a white commoner, have declared him unfit to rule. Bigger political machinations come into play as the British and South African governments begin to collude to separate the two and control the future of the country.
It’s a rather straightforward and sweet love story that is depicted, but one that is put through the wringer. Differences in class and racial intolerance were pervasive in this era and sadly endure today. Initially depicted as something of a whirlwind romance, the film breezes through much of its early stages. This hurried pace leaves you little time to engage with the pair; however, the talent and chemistry of Pike and Oyelowo soften this to an extent. The eventual switch in locales to South Africa gives the film more time to breathe and provides more realized antagonists, who test and strengthen the pair and bring in the larger forces that work to use the pair to suit their own purposes.
It is a tale of love in a time of colonialism. The volatile nature of South Africa at this time, the onset of apartheid, and the continued imperialistic ways of the British Empire provide the backdrop. It was a harrowing and duplicitous time, with people and entire countries used as pawns. For Ruth and Seretse, these outside influences are not just interfering in their relationship, but also in the country they love. It’s heavy material — tomes have been written on the subject — and while their personal tale is one way to inform people about what occurred, it simultaneously does it something of a disservice. In cramming so much in, without more detail and context, it’s perhaps a little too ambitious, leaving the spine of the film to veer into something of a melodrama rather than a more serious piece.
Director Amma Asante has crafted an assured feature, one that highlights its available talent, including Sam McCurdy’s beautiful cinematography. When the film really clicks, it stems from the work of Oyelowo and Pike. The former continues to carve out a healthy reputation for himself, taking challenging roles as well as pairing himself with interesting projects and filmmakers. He deftly avoids crafting a character that could easily be interpreted as preachy. Pike is a charming presence throughout, a grounded, natural performance that imbues the film with a much needed warmth. Nods also go to Jack Davenport (Pirates of the Caribbean, Coupling) and Tom Felton (The Harry Potter Series), who deliver the layered, nefarious types you’d expect from them.
The Package
The release contains an impressive transfer of the film; scenes of the African savanna in particular look splendid. Sharp detail, vibrant but natural colors, good contrast.
Extras include featurettes covering Making of, Filming in Botswana, The Legacy of Sertse and Ruth, and the London Film Festival Premiere. In many cases, these features deal with similar content, or recycle it. They tend to gloss over the historical content, rather than go into any depth, which is a little disappointing. The package also includes a code for a digital download of the film.
The Bottom Line
A United Kingdom is an interesting tale, made more resonant by its basis in real events. However, it often feels like the film lacks depth, or time to explore certain facets of the era. Despite this, strong performances from Pike and Oyelowo, as well as accomplished direction from Amma Asante, make for an undeniably polished piece of filmmaking.
A United Kingdom is available on combo Blu-ray & DVD from June 6th.