The Last King of Scotland (2006) Review in 2025
A young doctor's journey to Uganda to work with a dictator's regime, where he becomes entangled in a web of corruption and deceit.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
No, due to mature themes, violence, and strong language.
CineReview Recommendation
Highly recommended for fans of drama and thriller genres. Suitable for streaming, but best enjoyed in theaters for the full cinematic experience.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The movie revolves around Dr. Nicholas Garrigan, a young Scottish doctor who travels to Uganda to work with the country's dictator, Idi Amin. As Garrigan becomes closer to Amin, he discovers the dictator's brutal and ruthless nature, leading to a series of events that put his life and the lives of those around him in danger.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is engaging, with a unique blend of drama and thriller elements. The plot is well-structured, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. However, some viewers may find the pacing a bit slow at times.
acting9.50/10
The acting is superb, with James McAvoy and Forest Whitaker delivering standout performances. The supporting cast is also impressive, with Kerry Washington and Simon McBurney delivering memorable performances.
characters9.50/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with James McAvoy delivering a standout performance as Dr. Nicholas Garrigan. Forest Whitaker's portrayal of Idi Amin is equally impressive, capturing the dictator's charisma and brutality.
direction9.00/10
Kevin Macdonald's direction is superb, with a keen eye for detail and a sense of atmosphere. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the beauty and brutality of Uganda during the 1970s.
cinematography9.50/10
The cinematography is breathtaking, with a mix of stunning landscapes and gritty, realistic depictions of violence and corruption. The use of color and lighting is also noteworthy, adding to the overall mood and atmosphere of the film.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Engaging story, well-developed characters, superb direction, and stunning cinematography. James McAvoy and Forest Whitaker deliver standout performances.
Cons
Some viewers may find the pacing a bit slow at times, and the film's themes and violence may be disturbing for some.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a dictator, I'm a liberator!"
"I'm not afraid of death. I'm afraid of dying."
"You're a doctor, not a politician."
