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Amma Asante's third film is a tastefully made true-life story, based around a forgotten romance that caused familial, national and international strife.
It would have been easy for one of these plot threads to strangle the other, but the crisp writing, strong direction by Amma Asante plus Oscar-worthy performances by Oyelowo and Pike make each story support the other.
Oyelowo captures Seretse's quiet dignity while also hinting at the limits of his patience. And Pike is compelling as a woman who rises to the occasion regardless of the circumstances.
The film begins strong, as an account of a forbidden love. But midway, that thread peters out, giving way to an uninspired description about the political machinations behind giving an African protectorate its independence.
It makes no bones about attempting to turn a story of cross-cultural romance and international politics into a solid crowd-pleaser. But it doesn't strike that irresistible spark.
I love that [Asante] has found a particular narrative that means something to her... But still, A UNITED KINGDOM is a disappointing effort from a promising director.
Screenwriter Guy Hibbert and Asante pull off a precision balancing act, illuminating the intensity of the love the couple shared and never once allowing their romance to take a back seat to the issues.