The Last King of Scotland was released in 2007 as a film of the novel by Giles Foden of the same title. It is a story about Idi Amin, the president of Uganda in the 1970s, and mixes fact and fiction. Forrest Whitaker stars as Amin, in an Oscar winning turn, with James McAvoy as his personal ... Read review
As Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, Forest Whitaker gives one of the great performances of ... more
modern movie history (The Wall Street Journal), one that the Associated Press calls nothing short of OSCAR worthy. This is Amin's incredible story as seen through the ...
As the evil Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, Forest Whitaker gives an unforgettable performance ... more
inThe Last King of Scotland. Powerfully illustrating the terrible truth that absolute power corrupts absolutely, this fictionalised chronicle of Amin's rise and f...
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As the evil Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, Forest Whitaker gives an unforgettable performance ... more
inThe Last King of Scotland. Powerfully illustrating the terrible truth that absolute power corrupts absolutely, this fictionalised chronicle of Amin's rise and f...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
A Scottish doctor on a Ugandan medical mission becomes irreversibly entangled with one of ... more
the world's most barbaric figures: Idi Amin. Impressed by Dr. Garrigan's brazen attitude in a moment of crisis the newly self-appointed Ugandan President Amin ha...
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Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
Advantages: Great acting, excellent blend of fact and fiction Disadvantages: A couple of very upsetting scenes
The Last King of Scotland was released in 2007 as a film of the novel by Giles Foden of the same title. It is a story about Idi Amin, the president of Uganda in the 1970s, and mixes fact and fiction. Forrest Whitaker stars as Amin, in an Oscar winning turn, with James McAvoy as his personal physician, Nicholas Garrigan.
The story follows Nicholas (a fictional character) as he becomes a qualified doctor, then heads off to Uganda rather ... ...paths with Amin, who loves the Scots and all things Scottish. He employs Nicholas as his personal doctor, and Nicholas is suddenly living the high life in Kampala. Amin trusts him completely and counts him as a close advisor. However we soon see that Amin is not stable, and Nicholas becomes worried about his own safety and that of Kay, one of Amin's wives who he has befriended.
The film is an intriguing mix of fact and fiction. While ... more
The Last King of Scotland was released in 2007 as a film of the novel by Giles Foden of the same title. It is a story about Idi Amin, the president of Uganda in the 1970s, and mixes fact and fiction. Forrest Whitaker stars as Amin, in an Oscar winning turn, with James McAvoy as his personal physician, Nicholas Garrigan.
The story follows Nicholas (a fictional character) as he becomes a qualified doctor, then heads off to Uganda rather than stay in Scotland to work with his father. Once in Uganda, he crosses paths with Amin, who loves the Scots and all things Scottish. He employs Nicholas as his personal doctor, and Nicholas is suddenly living the high life in Kampala. Amin trusts him completely and counts him as a close advisor. However we soon see that Amin is not stable, and Nicholas becomes worried about his own safety and that of Kay, one of Amin's wives who he has befriended.
The film is an intriguing mix of fact and fiction. While Amin did have some British doctors, Nicholas is a fictional character created by Giles Foden, who has been inserted into this representation of Amin's life. However, a lot of the events that we see are factual - the Scottish concerts, the expulsion of Asians from the country, Kay's fate. Kay's story is almost entirely true to what is shown in the film, except for Nicholas - but what she did and what happened to her in the film are true. Remember that if you watch this - I don't want to give too much away for those who don't know the story.
Forrest Whitaker deservedly won an Oscar and a BAFTA for his turn as Idi Amin. He was a larger than life character, exactly what the British press expected an African dictator to be like, and Whitaker portrays him wonderfully. He gives the character the perfect mix of fun and menace, with Amin having a joyful party in one scene and in a murderous rage in the next.
James McAvoy as Nicholas Garrigan is also very good. The character is an interesting blend of naivety and knowledge - as first he sees only the good side of Amin, before he comes to realise what is actually going on in Uganda. However, in his dealings with the slimy Englishman Nigel Stone (Simon McBurney) from the British Consulate, he displays no such naivety - he knows exactly how these "good old boy" Englishmen view the Africans, and he swiftly tells Stone where to go.
The film was shot predominantly on location in Uganda, in the countryside and in Kampala itself. The opening shots of the country are beautiful, vibrant colours and smiling children showing Nicholas what an apparently wonderful country he has come to. Early on he is caught up in the excitement of Amin's coup, as a woman on the bus tells him how wonderful it is for Uganda.
It is widely known that Amin loved Scotland, and as he tells Nicholas, if he were to be any nationality other than Ugandan, it would be Scottish. We learn that he has sons with Scottish names, we see him in a kilt listening to a strange African rendition of Loch Lomond (no Runrig guitars and drums in this version), but the film doesn't feature his big declarations of being the King of Scotland, or his offers to spearhead the movement for Scottish independence, which by the 1970s was gaining pace (thanks but no thanks Mr Amin). For a film titled The Last King of Scotland, you would expect these events to be featured.
This film is a mixture of different things. It is funny, emotional, educational, thrilling and shocking. In the early scenes with Nicholas and Amin, where life is good, I felt joyful too - Nicholas truly believed that Amin was good for Uganda, and although I sat down to watch this knowing the full story, I couldn't help but think that too. To me that's the mark of a good historical film - you know the outcome, but it's so well played that you can't help but hope for something else.
As for shocking, for much of the film Nicholas (and therefore the viewers) is slightly sheltered from the reality of what is going on in Uganda. There are some instances where he sees Amin's vengeance, but not many. So when the first shocking scene comes, it really hits hard - although given the nature of it, it would be shocking no matter what had gone before. It hits Nicholas so hard, and McAvoy is wonderful in this scene, he shows real pain. I was almost in tears at this point, it was very upsetting, and not for the faint hearted. I won't tell you what this is, but if you watch the film you will be able to realise when it is approaching, so brace yourself. The second notable shocking scene is near the end, and it really made me squirm. While some morbid curiosity couldn't stop me watching the first one, I had to turn away from this, it was too difficult to watch.
Despite this, I thoroughly enjoyed this film and thought it was very well made. It was upsetting, but it was also very interesting and gave an excellent insight into one of Africa's most brutal dictators. I would strongly recommend it to all.
The DVD features a few extras, some of which I have watched. There is the usual commentary, some deleted scenes, a documentary - Capturing Idi Amin, a feature on Forrest Whitaker playing Idi Amin, and the casting sessions for the film. I watched the deleted scenes and the documentary.
The deleted scenes were a bit of a let down. The content wasn't bad, but they were rather dull and you could see why they were deleted. The problem for me was the sound quality - clearly these has not been edited/mastered before inclusion on the DVD. Some were better than others, but most were very difficult to make out what was being said. I wouldn't bother with them if I were you.
The documentary, however, was very interesting. It featured the cast and crew talking about the making of the film, Ugandans (including some of Amin's ministers) talking about the man himself, and there was also a lot of archive footage showing Amin. Watching this footage, you can see that a lot of the events in the film, even inconsequential ones, were inspired by real events. There are a lot of very interesting facts about Amin in this documentary - the deputy PM tells us that Ugandans rate Amin much higher than outsiders do, and another Ugandan refers to him as a hero. However, we then hear from many others who are pleased about the film because it will remind the younger generation, who do not remember Amin, what happened and it will show them how to avoid it again. The documentary really is well worth a watch, I think it lasted around 30 minutes, so it doesn't last too long.
I bought my DVD from HMV early this year for £3, and I've seen it at that price since. For that price, this is great value and well worth purchasing.
Originally posted on Dooyoo.co.uk by me under the same username
Advantages: An amazing central performance from Whitaker, strong direction, characterisation and writing. Disadvantages: Some characters are clear plot devices.
...search of adventure. He reaches the country just as it is taken over in a military coup by General Idi Amin and his troops. For a time it seems the country will be rid of corruption and make the leap into modernity and prosperity. In a bizarre twist of fate, the doctor impresses the president in a moment of crisis and finds himself appointed as the head of state's personal physician and closest advisor. At first Garrigan is flattered by the attention ... ...his own complicity in it. The young Scot tries to atone for his wrongdoings and finds himself tangled in a web of betrayal and horror as he attempts to escape Uganda alive. It's hard to believe that this is Kevin McDonald's first foray into big screen fiction. He shoots on hand-held digital video that gives the film a sense of immediacy. So when Nicholas leaves the grey skies and his oppressive home-life in Scotland for the warm, vivid colours and ...
afy9mab 06.03.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Last King Of Scotland (DVD)
Advantages: Great strong story, memorable characters, wonderful performances and a powerful film. Disadvantages: Plot at times a bit complex and I cannot remember the soundtrack.
...novel. It tells the fictional tale of Dr Nicholas Garrigan (James McAvoy). He is a young Scottish doctor who visits Uganda and meets with dictator Idi Amin (Forest Whitaker). On meeting Idi Amin he soon becomes his personal physician and this is where the story begins. The film is based around actual events of Amin's dictatorship. The film begins in Scotland 1970 when Nicholas Garrigan graduates from medical school. The young man has no idea of the ... ...know then he wouldn't choose the path that he did decide to take. I suppose the thought of helping his father in the family's village doctor's practice didn't seem quite as exciting as working for Idi Amin as his personal physician. Nor did working in the family doctor's surgery pay quite as much in money or in favours. In fact, working for his father wouldn't really put him in the same seemingly glamorous position as the position in Uganda. After ...
Mickie26 26.07.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Last King Of Scotland (DVD)
Advantages: An excellent story, very eye opening. The performance by Whitaker Disadvantages: Not going to have mass appeal
Over the last month or so I seem to have been catching up with a number of films that I’d actually been quite keen to see when they were in the cinema. The latest one on my list was The Last King Of Scotland, a film I had heard a lot of good things about. So I sat down last night to finally catch up with the film and see what all the fuss was about. It’s based on the true story of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin and the way he ruled Uganda during a certain ... ...the expectations though? Well there was only one way to find out. The movie focuses on the view of Amin’s (Forest Whitaker) regime through the eyes of a Scotsman, Nicholas Garrigan (James McAvoy). When he helps Amin with a broken hand the dictator takes a liking to him and wants to make Garrigan his official physician. While Garrigan is more interested in the wife of the doctor at the village he is working in he decides to accept the job. He soon ...
Andy.mack 20.05.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Last King Of Scotland (DVD)
Advantages: Impressive performances Disadvantages: Mixes too much fiction with recent historical fact so that the two become blurred.
The Last King of Scotland is based on Giles Foden's novel of the same name and is directed by Kevin Macdonald from a screenplay adaptation by Peter Morgan and Jeremy Brock. The story follows Scottish doctor Nicholas Garrigan (James McAvoy) who arrives in Uganda fresh from medical school during the early 1970s to work at a missionary clinic. His arrival coincides with the military coup led by Idi Amin (Forest Whitaker). It is almost by chance that ... ...that he finds himself in the confidence of the dictator and eventually becomes a close political advisor. Initially Garrigan is seduced into new role and the opulence it brings, but he eventually becomes aware of the ruthless nature and savagery of the Ugandan leader and begins to regret ever getting involved. The title derives. from the Amin's rather eccentric keen interest in Scottish culture that developed after his service with the Highland regiments. ...
Zmugzy 14.07.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Last King Of Scotland (DVD)
...from Giles Foden's novel of the same name; for years I have been meaning to read it, this time I did the lazy thing and went to see the movie instead.
THE PLOT
Nicholas Garrigan is a newly qualified doctor who takes off for adventure in 1970s Uganda rather than settle down in provincial Scotland to become a GP like his father. He joins a rural medical centre and before long Scotland is a distant memory until one day when the newly installed President ... ...of Scotland, Lord of All the Beasts of the Earth and Fishes of the Sea and Conqueror of the British Empire in Africa in General and Uganda in Particular."), Idi Amin, comes to speak at a nearby town. After the rally, Nicholas is requested to attend a road accident involving Amin whose car has hit a cow. Amin has suffered a hand injury which Nicholas attends to but it is the guts Nicholas shows in putting the animal out of its misery and the fact ...
fizzytom 14.12.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Last King Of Scotland (DVD)
Contains strong violence, gruesome images, sex and language
Video Category
Feature Film
Plot
Young Scottish doctor Nick Garrigan travels to Uganda hoping to do some good. After an automobile accident, Nick is called in to treat the President Idi Amin’s wounds. His authoritative behaviour impresses Amin, who charms Nick into becoming his personal physician. Nick embraces his newfound life of luxury, but he is unable to grasp the reality of the situation. When he does finally realise the atrocities Amin is inflicting upon his people, the terrified doctor tries to make a frantic escape before it’s too late...
Release details
DVD Region
DVD
Studio(s)
20TH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Release date
14/05/2007
No of Discs
1
Catalogue No
3249501000, 3249502000
Barcode
5039036030922, 5039036030939
Screenwriter
Peter Morgan
Languages
Main Language
English
Technical information
Special Features
Making of documentary, Director's commentary, Deleted scenes, Featurette
Aspect Ratio
16:9 Anamorphic Wide Screen
Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1
Award information
BAFTA
Best Actor 2007 (Forest Whitaker, Forest Whitaker)
BAFTA
Best Screenplay (Adapted) 2007 (Peter Morgan, Peter Morgan), Best Actor 2007 (Forest Whitaker)
OSCAR
Best Actor In A Leading Role 2007 (Forest Whitaker, Forest Whitaker)
Professional reviews
Review
A heart thumping thriller (Sunday Express, 10/04/2007)
Rivetingly enjoyable (The Guardian, 21/03/2007)
DVD Description
Forest Whitaker delivers an Oscar-winning, ferociously commanding performance as bloodthirsty Ugandan president Idi Amin in Kevin MacDonald’s THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND. Adapted from the novel by Giles Foden, the film recounts Amin’s horrific reign through the eyes of a fictional character, Nick Garrigan (James McAvoy), a young doctor from Scotland who travels to Uganda hoping to do some good. Nick is more sanguine about new president Amin than his counterpart Sarah Merrit (Gillian Armstrong) is, whose experience causes her to be sceptical of Amin’s bombastic declarations. After an automobile accident, Nick is called in to treat the president’s wounds. His authoritative behaviour impresses Amin, who charms Nick into becoming his personal physician. Nick embraces his newfound life of luxury, but he is unable to grasp the reality of the situation. When he does finally realise the atrocities Amin is inflicting upon his people (and is also capable of inflicting on Nick), the terrified doctor tries to make a frantic escape before it's too late. MacDonald, director of the acclaimed documentaries ONE DAY IN SEPTEMBER and TOUCHING THE VOID, makes a startlingly assured transition into fictional filmmaking with THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND. Working with cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle (THE CELEBRATION) and editor Justine Wright, MacDonald brings 1970s Uganda to pulsating life, perfectly recreating that tumultuous era. But ultimately the film belongs to Whitaker: as he shifts from charming to maniacal in the space of a short, unexpected breath, he infuses Amin with startling humanity.
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