The only way to keep a good man down is to kill him...
In this award-winning historical drama, we take a look at a figure who played a vital role in the independence of the Belgian Congo, renamed to Zaire. The crucial action takes place in 1960, when a former postal clerk and beer salesman, who happened to be leader of the Congelese National Movement, is plucked from jail and transposed to leader of the newly-independent country. However, the old colonial powers, and the Americans, are not happy with his benevolent, nationalistic agenda, and decide to replace him -- violently.
Ian Douglas: Not exactly a pleasant movie, given the level of brutality and duplicity on display, but a must-see for anyone interested
in African politics. It clearly shows how Mobuto came to power, and what sort of man he was, and the price his victims had to pay
on his road to total power. Lumumba himself comes across as well-intentioned but ultimately unable to deal with the foreign powers
and their dirty game plan. More's the pity. The country is still in a mess 40 years later.
Andreas Lupp (20): I went to see an African movie to broaden my viewing horizon, I am going to see it again because it is a very good film. The essence of the land and the cities is well protrayed by the poetic use of the camera. Peck does not over use the soundtrack. Although the weakest point is the historically academic i.e. slow screenplay, the anger and frustration of Peck does shine through in the end and gives this film a purpose. Peck is a director who is out to make a point and that is what I find gives the movie, despite the very average script, its power. It is much a much more powerful film than its more illustrious counterpart ''Ali'' and probably far more accurate!
