Khama love story to light up cinema

The movie A United Kingdom is a gripping true love story proving for the umpteenth time that once Cupid shoots the arrow, no obstacles, no matter how fierce, can stop the union of love.

Set in England and Botswana in the 1940s to the ‘60s, the movie relives the forbidden romance and later successful marriage between Seretse Khama, a man who rose among his Bangwato nation (in northeastern Botswana) to become his country’s first democratically elected president in 1966.

Schooled at one of the top colleges in London, Khama meets and falls head over heels in love with a young English typist and a whirlwind romance ensues with both families determined to put an end to it.

Khama returns to his village in Serowe with his white wife Ruth Willams-Khama by his side, to the chagrin of his regent uncle and the nation being torn apart.

Khama shakes the political establishment, causing conflict between England and its colonies South Africa and Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), as the rush by English prospectors for diamonds and gold begins in earnest in southern Africa.

Despite being banished to London, with his pregnant wife left in Serowe, his kingship’s lekgotla unanimously vote by show of hands for him to ascend the throne as the Bangwato king.
It is a heartbreaking love story that will hold cinemagoers spellbound, but is also told with a tinge of humour.

The cinematography setting and backdrop scenes of both London and Serowe are aesthetic and do justice to the film’s romantic theme.

My only gripe was that Hollywood star David Oyelowo, who plays the leading role of Khama, sheds a tear at the drop of the hat in the movie. Not to mention his west African accent, it takes away everything from Batswana.

I cannot imagine the real Khama being a crybaby; he was known to be a strong-willed and brave man. Perhaps the producers know something we do not.

Beyond that, the movie boasts a great cast including Rosamund Pike as Lady Ruth Khama; Terry Pheto as Naledi Khama (sister); Vusi Kunene as Tshekedi Khama (uncle); Abena Ayivor as Ella Khama, Tshekedi’s wife; and Donald Molosi as Kabelo.

A United Kingdom opens at cinemas countrywide on December 9. – SundayWorld