Twelve Disciples of Nelson Mandela

Watch Twelve Disciples of Nelson Mandela

  • NR
  • 2005
  • 1 hr 15 min
  • 7.6  (21)

Twelve Disciples of Nelson Mandela is a soulful and touching documentary film that was directed by Thomas Allen Harris and released in 2005. The movie takes its name from the twelve anti-apartheid activists who were profiled by the film. The documentary delves into the lives of twelve black South Africans who were part of the freedom struggle against apartheid. All of these individuals were members of the African National Congress (ANC) and some of them were jailed for years due to their activities. The film gives us insights into their lives, thoughts and experiences during the years of their struggle.

The movie is structured around interviews with the twelve activists as they share their personal stories, struggles and achievements. The interviews are supplemented with images and footage that help to bring their words to life.

The film begins with individual interviews of each of the 12 activists, giving the audience insight into their background, how they got involved with the movement and how they struggled against apartheid. We learn about their experiences in prison. Many of the former prisoners talk about physical and mental torture, isolation and the conditions they faced in jail. These interviews are intercut with footage of their lives in prison.

The activists also talk about the comradeship they developed during the struggle. They reminisce about how they sang and danced to inspire each other and keep their spirits up during their imprisonment. Also, they discuss their relationships with their families, what they missed the most when they were in prison, and the effects that their long absences had on their loved ones.

The activists also discuss what their lives meant beyond their activism. We hear about their families, their children, their marriages and their careers. They talk about how the work they did for the ANC shaped their lives, even beyond their release from prison. They also talk about their disillusionments after Mandela's release, the complexities of the political situation, and how they fought to build the country they longed for.

The film deploys the power of music to tell the story of the twelve activists as well. The music was used to not only create an atmosphere of struggle and hope, but also to evoke the memories that the Activists shared over the years, of how they used song to uplift and unify themselves, and how they found solace in music.

One song that stands out in the movie is a track called ‘Senzeni na’. It is a song that was written and sung by the prisoners in Robben Island, and it has become known as the unofficial anthem of the anti-apartheid movement. Its haunting melody draws its power out of its simplicity, and its lyrics, which translate to “what have we done to deserve this?” are a poignant indictment of the brutality of the apartheid system.

Twelve Disciples of Nelson Mandela is, in short, a soulful and moving tribute to twelve ordinary people who took extraordinary risks during a dark time in South Africa’s history. The movie, by working from the perspectives of those who lived the struggle, gives the audience a new appreciation of the human cost involved in the fight for freedom.

Overall, Twelve Disciples of Nelson Mandela is a thought-provoking and moving documentary that gives viewers insights into the hardships and struggles that South African freedom fighters underwent in their fight against apartheid. It offers a humanizing, personal look at the reality of life under apartheid, and an inspiring tribute to the power of human resilience, will and compassion.

Twelve Disciples of Nelson Mandela is a 2005 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.

Description
Where to Watch Twelve Disciples of Nelson Mandela
Twelve Disciples of Nelson Mandela is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV and Amazon. Some platforms allow you to rent Twelve Disciples of Nelson Mandela for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2005
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 15 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.6  (21)
Watch all of
Do you have Hulu?
Ad Info - This movie may not be available on Hulu
No thanks, I'm not interested in Hulu