A United Kingdom

In London, circa 1947, the future King of Botswana, Prince Seretse Khama (David Oyelowo)—who was studying law at Oxford—met a beautiful Englishwoman, Ruth Williams (Rosamund Pike); soon after, the pair impulsively married. Original opposition to their union came not only from Ruth's racist father but also from the British government, which had recently introduced apartheid to South Africa, so a biracial couple ruling a neighboring country seemed out of the question. Economically, Britain needed resource-rich South Africa's uranium for their nuclear program and gold-mining rights, which were vital to replenishing depleted reserves following WWII. Plus, there was a strategic threat of South Africa invading Bechuanaland (later known as Botswana). The scandalous marriage precipitates an international crisis that is further complicated by Khama's obstinate uncle/guardian (Vusi Kunene), who—acting as regent—repeatedly urges his people to cooperate with the colonial government. In addition, Seretse's aunt (Abena Ayivor) and sister (Terry Pheto) believe that the prince's marriage to a white woman demeans the black women of their Bamangwato tribe. But when the dignified, defiant, and ultimately persuasive Khama arrives back in his African homeland with resilient Ruth, this changes everything—along with the discovery of diamonds. Based on Susan Williams's 2006 nonfiction book Colour Bar, this is a somewhat simplistic and standard historical biopic, albeit sensitively directed by Ghana's Amma Asante, who works well with her superb ensemble, which includes Jack Davenport and Tom Felton as the intimidating bureaucratic villains. Sam McCurdy's stunning cinematography captures the flat, sunbaked landscape of Botswana, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence. A strong optional purchase. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include a “making-of” featurette (6 min.), the behind-the-scenes segment “Filming in Botswana” (6 min.), a “London Film Festival Opening Night Gala Premiere” featurette (6 min.), and “The Legacy of Seretse and Ruth” on the film's subjects (4 min.). Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are bonus DVD and digital copies of the film. Bottom line: a decent extras package for an uneven historical bio-pic.] (S. Granger)