10 Movies & Shows Like Mandela (2013)

Description: This movie delves into the struggle against apartheid, focusing on the friendship between a white journalist and a black activist, highlighting themes of injustice and resistance.

Fact: The film was banned in South Africa during apartheid. It was based on the books 'Biko' and 'Asking for Trouble' by Donald Woods, the journalist depicted in the film.

Description: A musical drama that captures the spirit of youth resistance during apartheid, blending powerful storytelling with music to convey the emotional weight of the struggle.

Fact: The film was adapted from the Broadway musical of the same name. Whoopi Goldberg, who plays a teacher in the film, was also one of the producers.

Description: A military drama set during a Nigerian civil war, focusing on humanitarian intervention and the moral complexities of warfare in Africa.

Fact: Bruce Willis performed many of his own stunts in the film. The production used real Nigerian refugees as extras to add authenticity to the war-torn village scenes.

Description: A political thriller that uncovers corporate exploitation in Africa, blending a personal love story with a crusade for justice and human rights.

Fact: The film's title comes from a line in T.S. Eliot's 'Four Quartets.' Much of the movie was shot in Kibera, one of Africa's largest slums, using local residents as extras.

Description: A harrowing depiction of the Rwandan genocide, the film examines themes of ethnic conflict, survival, and the international community's failure to intervene.

Fact: This was the first major film about the Rwandan genocide to be shot entirely in Rwanda. It was made by the same director who later created 'Moonlight'.

Description: This thriller explores the personal transformation of an apolitical man into a militant activist, set during the apartheid era, focusing on themes of injustice and radicalization.

Fact: The title refers to a Bob Marley song, which is featured in the film. The real-life Patrick Chamusso, on whom the film is based, makes a cameo appearance.

Description: The story revolves around a dictator's reign and the moral dilemmas faced by those close to him, touching on themes of power, corruption, and personal responsibility.

Fact: Forest Whitaker's portrayal of Idi Amin won him an Academy Award for Best Actor. The film's title refers to Amin's self-proclaimed title, not the actual monarchy of Scotland.

Description: This film tells the inspiring true story of an 84-year-old Kenyan man's fight for his right to education, reflecting themes of perseverance and the legacy of colonial oppression.

Fact: The real-life Kimani Maruge held the Guinness World Record for being the oldest person to start primary school. The film was shot on location in Kenya, using local non-professional actors for authenticity.

Description: The film explores themes of leadership, reconciliation, and the power of sports to unite a divided nation, set against the backdrop of post-apartheid South Africa.

Fact: The title 'Invictus' is taken from a poem by William Ernest Henley, which Nelson Mandela often recited during his imprisonment. The film's rugby scenes were shot during actual matches to capture authentic crowd reactions.

Description: The movie portrays a cross-racial love story set against political turmoil and racial prejudice, emphasizing themes of love conquering societal barriers.

Fact: The film is based on the true story of Seretse Khama, who later became Botswana's first president. Much of the filming took place in Botswana, where the actual events occurred.