The Last King of Scotland

An ordinary low-budget film with a serious and interesting theme, a captivating performance by Forest Whitaker, and a few rougher scenes, other than that, it is uninteresting. The linear plot has many dull moments, it is quite predictable, and only occasionally does a more intense scene ruffle the waters. I understand the Oscar nomination, but otherwise, this film doesn't have higher ambitions. It's nice that it's based on a true story, but that doesn't guarantee success, although I have no doubt that this symbolic “guarantee of an interesting spectacle” will find its fans, who will defend it to the death. Honestly, it didn't entertain me. (08/05/2008)

A decent film from an exotic setting with a young James McAvoy as a doctor and Forest Whitaker as a dictator in Kampala. I was expecting something grittier and more intense due to the theme and the harsh setting, but thankfully I didn't slip into boredom. Still, the film left me somewhat cold. 65% (11/17/2017)

A film I had been eagerly anticipating, and one that I believed in as much as only a handful of other films even before seeing it. I think the film's potential was fully realized here—when you take such a gripping real-life history with actual characters and pair it with an experienced director, there’s little chance the final result would fall flat. Forest Whitaker is hands down the best part of the film; his portrayal of the general was unpredictable, and when you add the undeniable charisma this actor possesses, it’s clear that the Oscar was already in his pocket that year. And the casting nailed the physical resemblance! At first glance, it might seem like James McAvoy was playing in his shadow, but don’t be fooled, as he also delivers a performance worthy of a full ten out of ten (though he might have been even more convincing in Split). The film boasts captivating locations where it was shot. When you combine those with the actors and a story full of tense moments and twists, you’re guaranteed an excellent two-hour experience. I give it 86%. (09/01/2017)

The environment of Uganda and the figure of Idi Amin are about the only two things that are real here. Everything else is thought up in an uninteresting and often played out story about a naïve young man who falls under the spell of personality, only to snap out of it on time, uncover crimes, and so on. The main character is an unlikeable lout and the only thing that makes him bearable is the charismatic McAvoy, although he has absolutely nothing to work with. This is not the case with Forest Whitaker, but an actor of his stature is somehow expected to play such an impressively rewarding role without overdoing it. The atrocities of Amin's government call for many strong scenes; unfortunately there is an absolute minimum of them here and the film begins to work only in the final twenty minutes. And that's more because of classic thriller tropes than the depiction of real events. This is a huge shame that unnecessarily relegates the film to the role of a reminder that someone like Amin once existed; and if you want to know something more, you will have to do your own research. The creators cleverly managed to cover up the low budget through editing, and the result is visually appealing enough. The Last King of Scotland is a movie that is interesting only because of Whitaker's performance. And even that is not so memorable. To be completely honest, he has many better roles to his credit. (02/14/2007)

A brilliant film that somewhat exceeded my expectations, and you don't have to go far to find the main reasons. The depiction of the real events is very well done and the film not only goes by quickly but also builds up very impressively. Moreover, the atmosphere is strengthened by the serious political premise from a socially very unstable and tense setting, and in particular by the excellent performance of Forest Whitaker, who exudes incredible authority and generates unpleasant chills from the very first second. James McAvoy isn't lagging behind either, and he puts his life on the line, but it's Whitaker who steals the show and ultimately all the awards for himself. At first I had some sympathy for his character, but by the end I wanted to wring his neck. And that is what acting is mainly about. 85% (01/24/2013)