Discription
A United Kingdom (2016)
Summary
A United Kingdom is a biographical romantic drama based on the extraordinary true story of Seretse Khama, the heir to the throne of Bechuanaland (now Botswana), and Ruth Williams, a white London office worker, whose interracial marriage in 1948 sparked an international political crisis. Their love faced immense opposition, not only from their families and the tribal elders, but crucially from the British and South African governments, with the latter fearing the marriage would threaten its newly implemented apartheid system.
Plot
In 1947 London, Seretse Khama (David Oyelowo), an educated African prince studying law, meets Ruth Williams (Rosamund Pike), a white clerical worker. The two immediately fall in love and, despite the initial fierce disapproval of Ruth's family and Seretse's uncle, Tshekedi Khama (Vusi Kunene), the Regent of the Bangwato people, they decide to marry.
Their marriage ignites a diplomatic firestorm. South Africa, which is on the cusp of introducing the brutally racist policy of apartheid, views the union as a grave and unacceptable provocation in a neighboring British protectorate. South Africa threatens the British government, led by Prime Minister Clement Attlee (Anton Lesser), demanding that the marriage be thwarted or Britain would face economic and strategic repercussions (such as being denied access to South African uranium and gold).
The British government, prioritizing its relationship with South Africa, attempts to pressure Seretse into renouncing his wife and his claim to the throne of Bechuanaland. When Seretse and Ruth travel to Bechuanaland, they are initially met with hostility from the tribe, orchestrated by Tshekedi Khama, who fears the marriage will endanger the nation and sees Ruth as a threat to their culture.
Through Seretse's powerful oratory and Ruth's dignified patience and commitment to the people, they gradually win over the tribal council and the populace, who ultimately reaffirm Seretse as their King and Ruth as their Queen.
However, the British government then actively intervenes. Seretse is tricked into returning to London for a meeting and is subsequently exiled from his own country, and from Ruth, for five years. The government hopes this separation will break the marriage and force Seretse's political submission.
While separated, Ruth remains in Bechuanaland, demonstrating immense resilience and loyalty to her husband and her new community, giving birth to their first child. Seretse, aided by a few supportive British MPs, fights the unjust order in London. Finally, the couple's steadfast love, Seretse's political astuteness, and the unwavering support of the Bangwato people force the British government's hand.
The film concludes with Seretse returning home after the British lift his exile. The film's epilogue notes that Seretse Khama later gave up his kingship, led Bechuanaland to independence as Botswana in 1966, and became its first democratically elected President, with Ruth by his side as the First Lady.
Cast
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David Oyelowo as Seretse Khama
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Rosamund Pike as Ruth Williams Khama
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Terry Pheto as Naledi Khama
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Vusi Kunene as Tshekedi Khama
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Jack Davenport as Sir Alistair Canning
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Tom Felton as Rufus Lancaster
Crew
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Director: Amma Asante
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Screenplay by: Guy Hibbert (Based on the book Colour Bar by Susan Williams)
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Producers: Rick McCallum, Brunson Green, Charlie Mason, Justin Moore-Lewy, David Oyelowo
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Music by: Patrick Doyle
Release Date
November 25, 2016 (United Kingdom)
