Goodbye Bafana

One of many

"Goodbye Bafana" is a drama of good intentions and middling achievements. Although a solid, well-acted and generally serviceable crowd-pleaser, it's also relatively unremarkable and not as uplifting as it should be. The relationship between the guard and Mandela doesn't ring true while the transformation of the former never becomes believable, despite Finnes' best efforts. Overall, it's compelling and it has some sharp scenes, but the inevitable preaching and TV aesthetics bring it down.

Haysbert is a slightly odd piece of casting, but he doesn't embarrass himself, and Fiennes is the stand-out performer in what can kindly be described as a serviceable biopic. There's little in the way of directorial flair or excitement and aside from Fiennes it all feels quite flat. The films biggest impact is to make you feel that it is taking a lot of dramatic licence with Mandela and Gregory's relationship, and that's because it very likely is.

Better than its reputation, but still a weird casting of Dennis Haysbert as Mendela. Fiennes is great though.