The Last King of Scotland

[Askari]

Ok I didnt watch it on the big screen but I i got the DVD out the other night.

Not that its one of those movies that needs a big screen.

Its set in the era of Idi Amin (1970's Uganda). A young Scottish doctor decides to throw caution to the wind and spins his desk globe to randomly select a country to go to. He doesnt much fancy his first spin and does it again, his finger landing on Uganda. We see him arriving in the African country as the coup is errupting thus putting Amin in power. He takes up position in a remote Missionary clinic and sets about helping the locals.

A chance meeting with Amin who is touring the area changes his life for good and he finds himself entwined with Amin and the plotics of the day. The movie follows his career and the events of the time. It doesnt concentrate to heavily on the human rights abuses of Amin's regime but you do get an insight. Rather it shows the relationship between the young doctor and Amin.

Amin is played by Forest Whitaker, who in my opinion deserved an Oscar for his efforts. He was absolutely superb!

A great movie and a must see. Look forward to others opinions as well.

[rainy]

I wasn't too impressed by this one. Yes, Forest Whitaker delivers a splendid performance, but the movie was generally a bit on the weird side. I commend the efforts made and the message intended, but I expected a bit more. 'Blood Diamond' and 'Hotel Rwanda' both were at least one notch better.