8/07/2013
Trailer for Long Delayed 'Winnie Mandela' Biopic Starring Jennifer Hudson
Rarely is it a good thing when a film sits on the shelf as long as Winnie Mandela has. Debuting more than two years ago in Toronto, it sat gathering dust until recently, driven largely by negative reviews for the direction by Darrell J. Roodt (Sarafina!) and star Jennifer Hudson. But now as the Nelson Mandela biopic Long Walk to Freedom is gathering Oscar buzz, Winnie Mandela is swooping in to try and steal some of its thunder.
The new trailer for the film gives a pretty good indication why studios were hesitant, as Hudson and Terrence Howard make an ill fit for Winnie and Nelson. The story is seen largely from her perspective as the woman behind the motivated South African freedom fighter and activist. When he is captured and imprisoned, she continues the fight to secure the freedom of her people and the man she loves. It all looks rather safe and uninspiring, with Howard as the least believable version of Nelson ever, and Hudson appearing completely overmatched playing the powerful Winnie.
Winnie Mandela hits theaters on September 6th.