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Blu-ray Review: A UNITED KINGDOM

Jun 12, 2017 Posted by in DVD/Blu-ray, Reviews | Comments

Based on a true story, A United Kingdom opens in 1947 London where Seretse Khama (David Oyelowo) is finishing up his studies and preparing to head back to his home nation of the Bechuanaland protectorate in southern Africa when he meets typist Ruth Williams (Rosamund Pike). The two bond over their mutual love of Jazz music, and quickly fall in love. However, this is a time when apartheid was policy in South Africa and segregation was common elsewhere—in the streets of London, the sight of a white woman and a black man together was often met by looks and words of disapproval. But love conquers all, and Seretse proposes to Ruth despite this.

Ruth’s father disapproves of the union and no longer wants anything to do with his daughter. Seretse’s uncle Tshekedi (Vusi Kunene)—who is currently serving as regent until Seretse claims his throne—also takes the news hard. He does not believe a white salesman’s daughter is fit be the queen of their people, and demands that his nephew either renounce his birthright or divorce Ruth. But when Seretse refuses, he starts to actively campaign against his nephew. So Seretse and Ruth head to Bechuanaland to try to win over the villagers. While Seretse loves his homeland, he believes in a democracy, and if his people don’t want him as their king, he will willingly step aside. Ruth must also work hard to gain acceptance from the villagers, starting with Seretse’s disapproving sister Naledi (Terry Pheto). However, even if Seretse’s people do accept him and Ruth, that won’t necessarily be enough.

The British government sees the interracial union as a potential threat to their business agreements with the South African government, who would consider this interracial marriage a flagrant disregard of their apartheid polices. The British government’s representative in southern Africa, Sir Alistair Canning (Jack Davenport), tries to reason with Seretse. But when that fails, he resorts to more extreme measures to try to drive a wedge between Seretse and Ruth, or keep them out of Bechuanaland. But no matter what is thrown at him, Seretse refuses to betray his two loves—Ruth and his country. And no matter how many forces try to tear them apart, Seretse and Ruth remain united by the love between them.

 

A United Kingdom is not only a love story between a man and a woman, but also between a man and his homeland. Before watching this Blu-ray, I had never heard of Seretse and Ruth Khama, and was unfamiliar with this story of how the Republic of Botswana came to be. The film works on many levels. The first act introduces a classic love story, exploring how Seretse and Ruth meet and fall in love. David Oyelow and Rosamund Pike have such great chemistry on screen. You really believe the relationship between their characters, and that the love they have for one another could be sustained even through the toughest circumstances.

The film’s second act delves into the political climate at the time—both in England and in South Africa—and the implications of the couple’s interracial union. It was fascinating to see how segregation and apartheid affected these other parts of the world, and how governments were willing to accept and ignore these oppressive systems as just a part of doing business. At the same time we also get a glimpse into a very different type of tribal politics as Seretse and his uncle butt heads over how their nation should be ruled.

The film’s final act explores how time and distance is no match for Seretse’s love for Ruth and his country, and that love can conquer all. David Oyelow delivers a strong performance throughout the film—whether it’s his powerful speech to win over his villagers, or the anguish he expresses in his face when separated from Ruth, there’s a lot of emotion in every scene. Similarly, Rosamund Pike portrays this strong, confident woman who is willing to leave her family and country for love, only to find herself in a tough situation where she is constantly expected to prove herself.

The film’s creators have beautifully recreated the era with detailed costumes and sets. The look, music and ambiance is all perfect—I immediately felt like I had been transported to London in the 1940s and ’50s. Also, shooting on location in Botswana really added an air of authenticity—as well as some incredibly beautiful landscapes—to the African scenes.

The Blu-ray presentation looks incredible. The picture is crisp, clean and detailed with no noticeable grain or lack of clarity. The colors are beautiful—the scenes set in London and Bechuanaland each utilize their own unique pallet. I especially enjoyed the orange and green tones of Africa. There are some truly breathtaking shots, my favorite being the African sunset used for the cover of the Blu-ray (though it looks even more beautiful on-screen). The film isn’t filled with large action sequences, so most of the audio is just dialogue, which is clear and easy to understand. However, the stereo and surround channels are used sparingly to add direction to vehicles or airplanes as they pass across or over the screen. And the film’s score sounds delightful as it bellows from every speaker. As for bonus material, there are 22 minutes of behind-the-scenes and cast/crew interview featurettes. While this was short, I found the interviews to be entertaining and interesting.

The discs come packed in standard keepcase with a cardboard slipcover, and the case includes an insert with a code to redeem for an HD digital copy of the film.



What’s Included:

Film: (1:50:52)

    Blu-ray:

    • 1080p / Widescreen 2.39:1
    • Audio: English DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1, English Descriptive Audio 5.1
    • Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French

    DVD:

    • 1080p / Anamorphic Widescreen 2.39:1
    • Audio: English Dolby Digital 5.1, English Descriptive Audio 5.1
    • Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French

    Digital HD (Code may not be valid after 2019):

    • Digital copy redeemable via iTunes, Google Play or Vudu (UltraViolet)

Extras:

  • Making Of (6:19)
    The cast and creators talk about the source material, casting, and finding the chemistry between Seretse and Ruth. Includes lots of behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with director Amma Asante, screenwriter Guy Hibbert, and actors David Oyelowo (“Seretse Khama”), Rosamund Pike (“Ruth Williams”), Jack Davenport (“Alistair Canning”), Jack Lowden (“Tony Benn”) and Terry Pheto (“Naledi Khama”).
  • Filming in Botswana (6:06)
    The cast and director talk about filming the first feature film in Botswana, and in Seretse and Ruth’s actual home. Includes lots of behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with director Amma Asante, and actors David Oyelowo, Rosamund Pike and Jack Davenport.
  • The Legacy of Seretse and Ruth (3:48)
    The cast and creators discuss the lives and legacy of Seretse and Ruth Khama, and filming with their son/current president of Botswana on set. Includes behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with director Amma Asante, screenwriter Guy Hibbert, and actors David Oyelowo, Rosamund Pike, Laura Carmichael (“Muriel Williams”), Jack Lowden, Terry Pheto and Vusi Kunene (“Tshekedi Khama”).
  • London Film Festival Opening Night Gala Premiere (6:08)
    Footage from the red carpet and interviews with director Amma Asante, producer Rick McCallum, and actors David Oyelowo, Rosamund Pike, Jack Davenport, Laura Carmichael, Terry Pheto and Tom Felton (“Rufus Lancaster”).
  • Theatrical Trailer (2:23)
  • Sneak Peek (12:47)
    Play All or select from trailers for “Discover Digital HD”, “Hidden Figures”, “Jackie”, “Rules Don’t Apply”, “This Beautiful Fantastic” and “Table 19”.

 


Final Thoughts:

My Rating
Film:
Video:
Audio:
Extras:
Recommended

A United Kingdom is a touching and inspirational drama that explores two beautiful love stories—one between a man and a woman and the other between that man and his country. David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike deliver captivating, emotional performances, and their on-screen chemistry is undeniable. The Blu-ray provides strong visual and aural presentation. While there isn’t a whole lot of bonus material included, the twenty-two minutes of cast/crew interviews do contain some interesting discussions. In addition to the Blu-ray disc, this release also includes DVD and Digital HD copies of the film. This release is definitely worth checking out, and fans of the film should definitely pick it up!