Nelson Mandela would be on anyone's short list of most admired current world leaders. Mandela spent 27 years in South African prisons (much of it in solitary confinement) for his steadfast opposition to the apartheid laws of the white minority government. Mandela's influence actually grew during the years of imprisonment, though the government would not even allow his photograph to be published. In the end, the government almost begged the prisoner to agree to his own release, demonstrating that powerful ideas cannot be denied. This video examines the progression of Mandela's life, his divided loyalties between a tribal upbringing and Christian beliefs, his beginnings as a lawyer, his growing resistance to apartheid oppression, and his involvement with the African National Congress. Mandela's support for the ANC (despite its communist leanings) led to trumped-up charges of treason and the long prison term. (Mandela admitted to some involvement in sabotage against the government.) The program also provides telling biographical details on Mandela's estranged second wife Winnie. Although the picture quality is not the best, this tape provides students with a good overview of its subject's arc from prisoner and martyr to South African president, noting that the country still has a long way to go before it becomes a truly free and democratic member of the world community. Recommended for school and public libraries. (S. Rees)
Mandela The Man
(1994) 60 min. $59.95. LDA Communications. PPR. Color cover. Vol. 11, Issue 1
Mandela The Man
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
Order From Your Favorite Distributor Today: