IN 1942 Johannesburg, Nelson Mandela (Idris Elba) is an idealistic lawyer, whose eyes are gradually opening to the harsh reality of his country’s unfair justice system. In 1958, as Mandela and his ANC brothers stand trial for treason – he meets, courts and marries social worker Winnie Madikizela (Naomie Harris), who passionately believes in his crusade.

When the ANC meets violence with violence, Nelson is sentenced to life in prison in a reverential and respectful biopic adapted by Oscar-nominated screenwriter William Nicholson (Gladiator, Shadowlands) from the statesman’s memoirs of the same name.