The Last King of Scotland

[DotTheEyes]

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The allure of power lies at the heart of The Last King of Scotland, an arresting drama following the rise to power of Idi Amin in Uganda and his relationship with fictional Dr. Nicholas Garrigan, a naive Scot-on-holiday who becomes the brutal tyrant's personal physician and for too long refuses to believe his friend and employer is a mad abuser of power and human rights.

Though this example of historical fiction won't replace reading a biography of Idi Amin, it's a pulse-raising trip through his descent into madness and his nation's corresponding descent into chaos, plus his disarming charm, which belied a murderous nature.

The film, directed with a sharp eye for realism by former documentarian Kevin McDonald, is without a doubt buoyed by the acting. As Garrigan, James McAvoy is restrained and fair in showing both the flaws and virtues of his juvenile, in-over-his-head character. This is a surprising change of pace from his role as the faun, Mr. Tumnus, in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.

And, as Amin, Forest Whitaker is simply out-of-this-world, delivering a ferocious performance which has to be seen to be believed. It would be a crime if he didn't win Best Actor at the upcoming Academy Awards.

Overall, this is among last year's ten best films, a thought-provoking, heartstopping film experience not to be missed.

[millertc]

I cannot wait to see this. Thank you for the review. I always look forward to reading your reviews.