Fight the Fight

Finally got out to see another Oscar contending film… It’s a film that takes place in the early 70′s in Uganda during the rise to power of Idi Amin. It’s a great movie. Not only is it well done in many aspects, but it’s a still socially relevant portrait in how people can be swept in by the charisma of a leader only to be taken down the wrong path in the near future. The acting is solid in every aspect with the crowning achievement being Forest Whitaker’s portrayal of Amin.

Every other performance was exactly what was needed, but none of them defined the movie or required as much effort and talent as becoming Idi Amin as Whitaker did so greatly. Given that I’ve only seen 2 of the 5 films nominated for best actor this year, I’m 99% sure I can tell that it should come down to Gosling or Whitaker with Whitaker winning in the end. I’m a little surprised that this isn’t nominated for more, but the more I think about it, the more I understand why it’s not. There’s nothing spectacular about anything except Whitaker who makes this film. It’s otherwise a biopic of sorts showing what it was like during the Ugandan coup and rule of Amin of the early 70′s. Nothing writing, music, or filming stands out like Whitaker. He would have my vote – if I had one.

Anyway, I’m glad I saw this movie… But it’s not a flick that you must see in the theater. There are two gruesome scenes, and it’s a straight drama otherwise. I give it a strong 6 of 10 on the whole – and the aforementioned performance makes this film very worthwhile.