Excellent but underrated film

A different way of telling a story

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

Based on true events, this film depicts the life and personality of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin. Directed by Kevin Macdonald, this film has a screenplay by Jeremy Brock and Peter Morgan. The cast is led by Forest Whitaker and James McAvoy.This film portrays, mostly, real facts which are part of the dark side of the history of a young African country: Uganda. Idi Amin led the country with an iron fist, not hesitating to kill all potential opponents. Despite all the cast have played their role with great quality, Whitaker deserves mention: he knew perfectly incorporate the several facets of this highly contradictory historical character: in some moments, his thought and personality can seem very positive but, as the film is rolling, the audience increasingly contacts with the darker side of a deeply paranoid personality, worthy of a Caligula. Whitaker was truly intimidating, and the staff of characterization and costume managed to complete his work by giving him a strong physical resemblance to the real dictator. So its not surprising that Whitaker has won (with merit) the Oscar for Best Leading Actor. But be friend with someone like Amin means walking on the edge of a knife and too close to death. The character of McAvoy, a young idealistic and naive doctor from Scotland who went to Africa in search of adventure, shows us these dangers, and its delightful to see his mind awakening to the problems of that country, while contacting directly with the madness of his new African friend.Visual, special and sound effects were very good, especially in the most stunning scenes, and scenarios easily transport us to Africa. The script, in turn, is quite consistent and realistic, not falling into exaggeration nor blistering action scenes. Everything went as it should, everything was done in the correct measure.

I said it years ago. Forrest Whittaker was bound to get an Oscar somewhere along the line. I never thought it would be for lead actor, because "the part" wasn't coming his way.It came - and the rest was history. From Platoon, to the unbearable Fouth Angel and beyond, every part, every role was polished and precise. A true pro who got the big one. I love it.Macalvoy is also cast perfectly and plays out well as his character, and shows us it is much more multifaceted than we thought. Very nice work.The film itself has that low-budget feel, but as is the case it makes everyone work harder to make it shine. Six million dollars ain't what it used to be.Amazing acting and a great story from a great book. A must see for true Forrest fans and everyone.

This is a story about a man who has been graduated from a medical school in Scotland, whose name is Nicholas. Nicholas is a made-up character. He randomly chooses Uganda to go to look for what he signing to be. At that time, Uganda is controlled by Idi Amin, who is a real character, as a monarchy. By a chance, Nicholas helps Amin by medical treating and becomes a primary doctor and live a wealthy life. Amin even asks about the government decision to Nicholas. Nicholas gradually realizes the problem of The Government by Amin. In my opinion, the characteristic of Nicholas is very normal as a young guy these days. Young people tend to look for easy ways to be rich. The movie tells that being calm and see what is really a good and proper way. I don't really like the scenes with violence with a grotesque visuals. Over all, this is an very interesting movie.

The movie takes on one of the most notorious true story of the Ugandan Iddi Amin. Yet the movie is too confined on the point of view of Nicholas, so the movie didn't really explore enough on Amin's notoriety. Yes, Forest Whitaker's acting did greatly in building up the character for this movie. But that character wasn't quite portrayed evenly due to the heavy focus from Nicholas' point of View, which kind of balanced the charm and intimidation Amin had. Yet the truth of ruthlessness wasn't really covered, since the actual ruthless side the president wasn't depicted in the movie. Yet as I said earlier the acting overall is a very good one, all thanks to Forest Whitaker's performance in giving live to the character, despite the imbalanced depiction of the ruthlessness. James MacAvoy did quite good in playing the confused doctor.