In 1947, Seretse Khama, the young King of Botswana, and Ruth Williams, a 24-year-old Londoner, fell hopelessly in love with each other.
Everything stood in the way of their union: their differences, their families, and English and South African laws. But Seretse and Ruth defied the dictates of apartheid. By overcoming all obstacles, their love changed their country and inspired the world.
British director Amma Asante brings to life the forgotten political struggle of the young king of Botswana, Seretse Khama, and his white wife in the film “A United Kingdom,” starring David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike in the leading roles.
Beyond the romance and the simple scandal associated with their interracial marriage, it is a real story of political struggle that the Ghanaian-born director presents: the Khama couple truly existed, and their union led to the country’s independence.
While it may be somewhat difficult to engage with the love story—which is somewhat commonly portrayed—the film develops a great finesse in political analysis.
Far from a simplistic view, the film illustrates the true complexity of the political situation faced by the British government to serve the national interest.
This story is unknown to the Western public, although the current president is Seretse’s son.
