Synopsis
Set in South Africa, 1985, this is a gripping and sophisticated political thriller full of alluring and unanticipated heroes. Mandela's imprisonment is an international cause celebre and the ANC guerrilla terrorist attacks are escalating. Everyday, the country is more ungovernable, as it head towards the apocalypse of a race war. In saner moments, everyone is aware that the horrid apartheid regime is doomed, but will the transition to democracy be peaceful or bloody? Working for Prime minister P.W. Botha as a somewhat Machiavellian Head of Intelligence, Dr. Neil Barnard opens undisclosed talks with Nelson Mandela who is still in prison. More covert still are the secret talks that take place in the unlikely setting of a rural English manor house, arranged by a British businessman and sponsored by a mining company seeking to secure its own future in South Africa. Featuring penetrating yet entertaining performances by an all-star cast including William Hurt ("Into the Wild"), Chiwetel Ejiofor ("12 Years a Slave") and Jonny Lee Miller ("Trainspotting"). Blu-ray comes with bonus features including exclusive interviews with William Hurt, John Lee Miller, Director Peter Travis, Producer David Aukin, Producer Hal Vogel and Writer Paula Milne, and includes English subtitles for the deaf and hearing impaired.