With lots of family around for the festivities of the July 4th holiday, the late evenings were spent laying in bed watching television to unwind. I was lucky enough to come across this 2007 nugget that earned its star, Forest Whitaker, the Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role Oscar and Golden Globe Awards in 2007! I had heard great things about this movie when it was released but never got around to seeing it in the theaters. After seeing this movie, I could definitely understand why Whitaker was given such high praise for his portrayal of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin.

This story is told through the unique perspective of Idi Amin's fictionalized personal physician and sometimes political adviser Dr. Nicholas Garrigan, played by James Mcavoy. Based on the novel of the same name by Giles Foden, The Last King of Scotland depicts the rise of Idi Amin, AKA 'Butcher of Africa', through the naive, ignorant and narcissistic view of his Scottish doctor. This is a wonderfully acted movie that is so convincing in it storyline and acting that you could actually believe that "Dr. Garrigan" was a real person. This believability is reinforced through the stark portrayal of the historical figure, Idi Amin, and his paranoia expressed through extreme brutality. Though at times this is a disturbing movie to watch, it also gives startling insight into the spiraling degeneration of a brutal dictator. This is definitely a film worth watching!

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17 Comments on The Last King of Scotland...A Movie Review!

JUL
07
2008
I havent seen this movie yet. I will be heading to the movie store today
12:49pm • #1
662,494 Points 108 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hi Rich - Thanks for the review.  This is in my Netflix queue, so I should be able to see it soon.  Have a great week!

3:02pm • #2
This is in my netflix que too. I think it's available for instant watching. Maybe tonight.... thanks for the review.
3:23pm • #3
188,739 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Rich - I've been thinking about watching this, I definitely will now.  Thanks for another great review!

5:07pm • #4
256,920 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Rich, great review. I've heard of the movie and remember what an evil person he was. I'll have to check the movie out.

5:39pm • #5
463,836 Points 28 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Roch, I actually love these reviews...I hate standing in blockbuster agonizing over what movie to see!

6:13pm • #6
255,337 Points 34 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Rich, this is a much appreciated review...I'm like Chris, I was thinking about watching this and now I know I will!

Thank you for giving us "just enough" about the movie. Too many times a review gives away too much. This one simply entices...

Later in the rain~Deb

6:14pm • #7
324,647 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Rich, I am going to have to check this one out. It looks good.

6:33pm • #8
138,889 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Hunter - I hope this is on your list for tonight! Once you see it, why not come back and let us know how you liked or disliked it!

Jason - It is a great movie! Hope you like it.

Cheri - I think you will like it! It is interesting to note how he devolves as a person and leader.

Chris - Amin is still a towering figure in Uganda and with your connection through your Children of Grace involvement, it may hit a bit close to home. Lucky for the people of Uganda he is gone!

 

7:19pm • #9
138,889 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Debbie - Seeing Raid On Entebbe on late night TV as a teenager was my first knowledge of Amin.

Carole - It is a good movie that has a built in analogy; keeping the violence so in the background that when it bursts through you realize it has been there subtly all along.

Deb - It is a fairly accurate historical drama. The realization that Amin murdered anywhere from 100,000 to 300,000 Ugandans is staggering. And to realize that he and his family were given asylum and luxurious accommodation without any penalty in Saudi Arabia until his death in 2003 is amazing and infuriating.

Danny - Well worth it!

7:29pm • #10
JUL
10
2008
218,464 Points Outside Blog

Hi Rich. Greatreview... I'm definitely going to pick this one up when I come across it.

7:11pm • #11
138,889 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Vincent - It is a great movie that you are sure to like! BTW, as an obvious movie buff, you might want to check out one of the other sites I write for called The Movie Space!

8:35pm • #12
JUL
11
2008
218,464 Points Outside Blog

Rich- Cool site. I'm going to check it out right now. Thanks and keep doing what you do.

11:05pm • #13
JUL
12
2008
138,889 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Vincent - They are always looking for more content providers and you do some quality reviews! It is fairly easy to get approved if you are interested! You can actually make a little $$$ from the shared AdSense revenue the site generates! It isn't a lot but it can help to defer the cost of doing business!

10:52am • #14
JUL
13
2008
2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Saw The Last King of Scotland and loved it...very riveting. It was interesting to watch the transformation of Amin from a likeable "man of the people," to an isolated megalomaniac. Forrest Whitaker did a splendid job and his Oscar was well-deserved. That was the first time I had seen James McAvoy in a movie and I knew immediately that this would not be the last we saw of him. 

7:59pm • #15
138,889 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Kim - You should check out Wanted, he is awesome in it. James McAvoy also played the character of Mr. Tumnus in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wadrobe! I agree, it was a great movie with great acting!

10:09pm • #16
MAR
17

Wow this loooks like a good movie thank you for the great review.

-Peg

4:36pm • #17

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