A teaser trailer has been released for the upcoming Nelson Mandela biopic, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.
British actor Idris Elba plays Mandela in the film, which chronicles the iconic South African leader’s life over the years and sheds light on some of his personal and political struggles.
“I have walked a long walk to freedom. It has been a lonely road and it is not over yet. No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin. People learn to hate. They can be taught to love. For love comes more naturally to the human heart,” Elba says in voice-over, impeccably mimicking Mandela’s distinctive speech patterns.
The minute-long clip is shot from a high angle and appears to portay elder Mandela as he walks along a hill on what seems to be a never-ending path.
Actress Naomie Harris, who recently played Moneypenny in 2012’s Skyfall, has been cast as Winnie Mandela in the movie.
The short, yet powerful imagery is the first glimpse audiences are getting of the Oscar buzzworthy film.
While other big-name actors like Morgan Freeman and Terrence Howard have portrayed the legend in the past, Elba believes this film is “hands down the best.”
“I was in South Africa for about 7-8 months and we pulled it together,” Elba told theGrio. “I’m very proud of it and I can’t wait for the world to see it.”
The film, released by The Weinstein Company, is set to be released in select theaters on November 29. A full trailer is expected in the coming weeks.
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