Long Walk to Freedom: A Political Film
Long Walk to Freedom is a political based film. In the film, Idris Elba (as Mandela) is charged with a powerful central performance which respectfully treads and not being shy from the truth. In this case, the truth, which also makes a great deal of the storyline, is ANC's fight against apartheid. The film is a decent and respectable account of Nelson Mandela's life by Justin Chadwick. The film is scripted by William Nicholson and acted by Naomie Harris and Idris Elba. The movie was done almost at the time when Mandela died thus appearing as a remarkable stroke of fate. The scenario preceded an event that the western media had prepared to shoot. The death of Mandela was an event that was indeed foreseen to be memorable and calm like ceremonies of the Olympics. Such is a moment that in movies would be termed as "furnishing the open scene." The main events in the storyline would then unfold in flashback form. However, the main event was chaotic and faintly surreal (Derrida 2014, p.21). Regarding the storyline, we will review the entire film with sole focus on the protagonist, Nelson Mandela. We will also determine Nelson Mandela's level of effectiveness as a character.
Table of Contents
1.0 Executive Summary. 2
2.0 Introduction. 4
3.0 Analysis. 6
4.0 Conclusion. 9
5.0
References
. 106.0 Appendix 1 - Robbin’s Framework of Leadership. 12
Robbin’s Framework in Analysing’ The Long Walk of Freedom’
2.0 Introduction
The destination of Nelson Mandela’s long walk was realized on 5thDecember 2013. Mandela’s life of passion and struggle came to an end the same day the biopic of his life got premiered London. The coincidence makes it, in a way, a fitting end. Such is a film that will always be regarded as the prime account of the life lived by Mandela. It is a summary of everything great that Mandela performed (Soudien 2015). In this film, we see the juxtaposition in the heart of Mandela’s life. With a strong performance from Idris Elba, Mandela’s struggle becomes understandable and humane. As the film unfolds, Mandela; though young, is pictured washing himself in a rural river. The washing comes in form of a purification ritual which signifies his transition into manhood. In the same scene, Mandela washes off some white chalky substance that was stuck on his skin (Karim 2014). That is the moment Mandela learns to respect his ethnicity and stops attempts of trying to be what the white oppressors want. In this case, we see the resolved nature of a true leader.
Scenes that follow show Mandela’s early life as a young man. This is when Mandela exhibited his career which is Law. The scenes chart Mandela’s belief in total democracy for his country. These are the times when he got politically involved with ANC to the time he decided to take up arms to fight for the freedom of his country. From political scenes, the storyline shifts to Mandela’s love life (Hui 2015, p.115). In as much as he was committed to politics, Mandela got carried away by the beauty of Winnie (Naomie Harris). At this point, the film clearly demonstrates the outright devotion of a true leader in Mandela. However, as soon as Mandela gets married to Winnie and they get two children, the ultimate devotion begins. Mandela is arrested and a period of isolation and anger tear the couple for about three decades of time apart.At this time, Mandela strives for freedom using several political means (Ruma " Leon 2017, p.7). Mandela had to transition from an armed freedom fighter to an activist using peaceful political means; though the process of transition wasn’t easy for Mandela. This is the time Mandela was considered a traitor. Most people saw him as one who was belittling his people’s struggle.However, as peaceful a leader as Mandela was, there was nothing much he could do with violence numbing South Africa in the twentieth century. People were already dying and peace was the only way to go (Van Robbroeck 2014, p.261). Since he was not driven by revenge, he sorts not to treat white people as they had treated them. Mandela was humane; he strived to ensure that love won the day. Love was something Mandela couldn’t ignore. His drive and ability to do the right thing when everything else is but blood that makes Mandela a true leader.
In a different perspective, Mandela’s father named him as ‘troublemaker’ in Zulu. However, Mandela testifies that it was not in his image to be a troublemaker when his prime life’s actions suggest otherwise. The real trouble that Mandela sort in his life wasn’t necessarily that sinister. The paths that he chose were less travelled and did not seem immediately obvious. He actually lived like a troublemaker because he believed that in the end, the ultimate goal of a democratic and free South Africa would be achieved (Nokele 2015).The entire storyline exposes Mandela’s cheeky stubbornness which is not similar to the image of grandfather who loves peace and in which most people have come to see in him. In the climax, Mandela was actually a troublemaker. He sewed seeds of anger and disquiet that was aimed at the authority he never recognized. As a leader, Mandela also believed in the cause for which his life was based. Ultimately, Mandela was able to look back and see that the entire struggle of life and freedom for South African was not only embedded in political struggle but also ultimate freedom for human heart. In this case, the ultimate freedom was that from hate (AbdulhameedFaris " Paramasivam 2016). With hate gone, individuals would get exposed to unconditional love. Such walk to freedom is a journey that every human being takes.In the entire film, the life of Mandela is a beautiful example of good leadership through mentorship and struggle.
3.0 Analysis
Long Walk to Freedom is an analysis of racial power and related conflicts conflict within South Africa. However, the storyline revolves around Nelson Mandela as a leader in that struggle. The role of Mandela is played by Idris Elba. According to Mandela, the conflict is variable‐sum and not zero‐sum. In other terms, the struggle was in all sides. On the contrary, Mandela’s interest was to avoid civil war. However, without leadership involving risk‐taking,the likely outcome was civil war.As a leader, Mandela also employed mixed-motive strategies for the purpose of solving conflicts. Such is also known as the Strategy of Conflict. This strategy includes the act of one rendering himself or herself powerless (Bolman 2017). The act of one rendering them powerless is for making further concessions and ensuring that the opponent is not pushed too far. On the same note, the accomplishments of Mandela also highlight the analysis of Strategy of Conflict. Such minimizes the creative leadership roles for resolving conflicts. The entire film invites a wider reflection on power and leadership’s nature.
The film shows us how as a young man, Mandela moves to Johannesburg and joins the African National Congress as an active member. South Africa is quite segregated at this pint and the party is put in place to fight for the rights of black South Africans. The fact that Mandela joins this party shows us that he is an extrovert and displays participative style of leadership (Renz, 2016). He is not afraid of fighting for the rights of others and can go to any lengths to achieve this. Mandela being part of the African National Congress is an indication that he has concern for others and this leads him to lead the highly motivated group that want to fight for the liberation of their people. Both the internal and external environment in this case portrays a thirst for liberation and this is the driving force for their behaviors (Daft 2014).
Mandela is finally exposed to Whites at a young age and he gets to appreciate their mannerisms and communication style. He is amazed at the openness portrayed between children and parents in the white community since in his community it is considered as disrespect for a child to ask too many questions. According to Mandela, he feels that language allows people to communicate and express themselves and fosters understanding. Despite encountering a lot of racism and prejudice, Mandela has a different view of humanity and he believes that there should be equality for all, no matter what race they are. This scene portrays the kind of openness that Mandela has and it shows a supportive leadership style, as he is willing to embrace all sides for the sake of peace (Kommives " Wagner 2016). The group in this setting has divergent views since many young black people who are Mandela’s peers have divergent views about equality for all since their view is that they have been oppressed by the white people for a long time. The external environment is polarized due to the racism in the country. Mandela’s internal environment as a leader prefers that he take all people as they are and fights for equality for all. Even after being jailed for 27 years of his life, Mandela still believes in equality for all South Africans under a rule that is democratic (Klenke 2016). He still has empathy and compassion for the people who oppress him.
The director of the film, Justin Chadwick, also portrays another side of Mandela that few people know about. Mandela first works as a lawyer in Johannesburg in the 1940s. As a lawyer, Mandela is overly bold in a risky manner especially considering the racism in South Africa. During this period, Mandela flirts and goes out with a number of black women. He also manages to embarrass a white woman to drop a theft case by providing evidence in form of some contested underpants. In this setting, Mandela displays extroversism in his boldness and how he deals with people (Verba 2015). He takes this to his advantage and uses it as a platform of dating a number of women. His leadership style can be considered as authoritarian. As a lawyer, he uses his authority to sort cases especially of the falsely accused. Many people are falsely accused at this point due to the racism in the country. The group characteristic in this case is that they are charmed by the attorney’s boldness (Robertson 2016). In the external environment, Mandela is considered as a great attorney while in the internal environment he uses his personality to do a great job.
Over the 27 years that he is imprisoned, Mandela manages to get over the negative stereotypes he faces to fight for justice and equality for the South African people. Jail is a difficult place to be in and despite this; Mandela does not give up but keeps pushing to see liberation for his country. He undergoes many challenges while in prison but despite this he always has his vision in his mind and keeps focus. He also undergoes many negative verbal and non-verbal issues but still keeps strong and keeps encouraging people (Hui 2015, p.119). After 27 years, he is released and due to his determination, he becomes the first black president of the South African people. He brings unity to the country by embracing everyone whether black or white. In this scenario, Mandela can be taken as an emotionally intelligent person. Despite his trials, he keeps fighting and does not give up. He is a democratic leader who fights for the rights of everyone. The group in this case is happy, as the country has finally attained freedom. The external environment is positive due to the freedom achieved and Mandela’s internal environment is happy, as he has finally achieved what he was fighting for.
4.0 Conclusion
The framework that was founded by Robbin is a great way of measuring and analysing leadership. It assists in getting an in-depth analysis of leadership especially when one watches a film like long walk to freedom. It brings out the underlying traits of leadership that characters portray. It is indeed a useful tool for carrying out leadership analysis.
5.0 References
AbdulhameedFaris, A. and Paramasivam, S., 2016. Ideologies in Mandela’s No Easy Walk to Freedom.International Journal of Applied Linguistics and English Literature, 5(5), pp.49-61.
Bolman, L.G. and Deal, T.E., 2017. Reframing organizations: Artistry, choice, and leadership. John Wiley " Sons.
Daft, R.L., 2014. The leadership experience. Cengage Learning.
Derrida, J., 2014. Admiration of Nelson Mandela, or The Laws of Reflection. Law " Literature, 26(1), pp.9-30.
Hui, V.T.B., 2015. The protests and beyond. Journal of Democracy, 26(2), pp.111-121.
Karim, S.S.A., 2014. Nelson R. Mandela (1918–2013). Science, 343(6167), pp.150-150.
Klenke, K. ed., 2016. Qualitative research in the study of leadership. Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
Komives, S.R. and Wagner, W.E., 2016. Leadership for a better world: Understanding the social change model of leadership development. John Wiley " Sons.
Nokele, A.B.B., 2015. Translating conceptual metaphor in Mandela's Long walk to freedom: a cross-cultural comparison(Doctoral dissertation).
Renz, D.O., 2016. The Jossey-Bass handbook of nonprofit leadership and management. John Wiley " Sons.
Robertson, J., 2016. Coaching leadership: Building educational leadership capacity through partnership. New Zealand Council for Educational Research. PO Box 3237, Wellington 6140 New Zealand.
Ruma, M.B. and Leon, C.E., 2017. AUTOBIOGRAPHY, IDENTITY, AND THE PHENOMENOLOGY OF VIOLENCE IN NELSON MANDELA’S LONG WALK TO FREEDOM. SARJANA, 32(1), pp.1-10.
Soudien, C., 2015. Nelson Mandela, Robben Island and the imagination of a new South Africa. Journal of Southern African Studies, 41(2), pp.353-366.
Van Robbroeck, L.I.Z.E., 2014. The visual Mandela: A pedagogy of citizenship. The Cambridge companion to Nelson Mandela, pp.244-266.
Verba, S., 2015. Small groups and political behavior: A study of leadership. Princeton University Press.
6.0 Appendix 1 - Robbin’s Framework of Leadership
Movie Scene
Leadership Characteristics and Traits
Leadership Behavior and Style
Group member characteristics
Internal and External Environment
Joining the African National Congress Party
Extroversion
Participative style
Highly motivated
External Environment-Country needs strong party to liberate the country
Internal Environment-Thirst for freedom
Visiting homes of Whites for the first time and appreciating their mannerisms
Openness
Supportive
Divergent views on embracing white people
External Environment-Polarized due to race differences
Internal-Mandela accepting all the way they are
Mandela as a young attorney
Extroversion
Authoritarian
Charmed by Mandela’s boldness
External Environment-Great attorney
Internal Environment-Mandela uses his boldness to solve unfair cases
Fighting for Justice and Equality despite being in prison
Emotional Intelligence
Democratic
Supportive
External Environment-The joy of freedom
Internal Environment-Mandela happiness after finally liberating his people
