The Last King of Scotland (2006)

O An excellent must-see
O Good rental choice
X Mediocre
O Rent something else

Review by Jason Pyles / April 17, 2007

Forest Whitaker won the Academy Award for Best Actor for this performance as General Dada, an actual person who was a monster.

"The Last King of Scotland" begins by informing us that the film is inspired by real people and real events. It opens in Scotland, 1970, when a young doctor graduates from medical school. Dr. Nicholas Garrigan (James McAvoy) wishes to escape his father, so he spins a globe and randomly picks Uganda.

Garrigan goes to render medical aid to an African mission of less fortunate Ugandans. But the new doctor catches Dada's attention. The towering leader has an affinity for Garrigan, so he uses his wealth and charisma to persuade Garrigan to be his personal physician.

While in the service of the madman's regime, Garrigan learns disturbing things about his boss. By association, Garrigan becomes trapped and knows he must find a way to escape — or else.

Essentially, "The Last King of Scotland" is a political thriller based on historical atrocities that happened in Uganda during the '70s. And though edited, this movie depicts execution-style shootings and mild torture.

The film is well made with excellent acting, but its intrigue loses momentum as it progresses.

Directed by Kevin Macdonald
Forest Whitaker / James McAvoy / Gillian Anderson
123 min. Drama / Thriller
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 17 and up

DVD release date: April 17, 2007
Copyright 2007.
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