When I first read about Seretse and Ruth Khama earlier this year, I was taken by the way that their story really proved two popular sayings: “love is blind” and “love conquers all”. Not only was their love one that disregarded racial differences, it was also one that withstood the pressures of international political machinations and the deep-seated prejudice of family members and society at large. Because they loved each other deeply, earnestly and determinedly, they were able to change people’s minds in a way no one had previously imagined.
I went to see David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike bring the story to life onscreen in A United Kingdom. Though the book I read is different to that from which the film draws its screenplay, I was still watching in the hope of recognising some of the details from my favourite chapters played out onscreen. It occurs to me that biographers may choose different perspectives on the story, different entry points, but the important details remain the same.
Oyelowo’s performance is honest and sincere, showing the die-hard spirit and sharp intelligence of the Motswana statesman, Khama. Pike plays her part well, portraying the deep devotion to her husband and her steely efforts to make Botswana her home and to gain the trust of the people. The two actors show the tender love between Seretse and Ruth very well.
I don’t know how plausible it is that Seretse and his uncle spoke to each other and to the people of their village in English. As I watched, I kept thinking how, if this had been a (likely low budget) completely local production, it would be equally in English and in Setswana. It also would have had subtitles and less familiar faces, which would relegate it to “historical short film” status. Less people would have seen it if the production had been completely local. But was there no way to involve more local actors, producers, etc. in the making of the film?
At its core, A United Kingdom is about love. The focus is on an unlikely forbidden romance and the way couple uses the fight for their love as a fight against international principles and laws that they did not want to perpetuate. I noticed the small ways in which Ruth acted, in her capacity as a wife, to make Seretse’s political life easier, and get the people’s trust.
Especially touching was the moment when Ruth, still at the hospital a few days after giving birth to their first daughter Jacqueline, pulled up a stool and joined a circle of women who were breastfeeding and chatting. This small act showed that Ruth wanted to be a part of the community, and that she was willing to reach out to them, and show them that she was not a threat.
I appreciate stories like this, which focus on individuals or small groups who were going through a difficult political period, and how they survived it. It makes the issue less intimidating.
A United Kingdom is worth watching even if only as a starting point from which to explore the history of Botswana. Movies based on books rarely do justice to the source text, but in this case it is a noble effort. Watch the movie, but then go out and read all the books as well – you won’t regret doing either.
Nkhensani Manabe 