The Last King of Scotland

Inspired by true events, The Last King of Scotland paints a vivid and horrifying portrait of former Ugandan president Idi Amin, as seen through the eyes of his personal physician. James McAvoy stars as Nicholas Garrigan, a recently graduated Scottish doctor who travels to Uganda with the intention of making a difference for the rural population. He is not there long before he encounters Amin, a commanding military figure who has recently acquired control of the nation. Seduced by Amin’s charms, Garrigan agrees to move to the capital where he quickly gains the president’s confidence. Only later does he begin to realize the incredible mistake he has made, and that he is drastically in over his head. As Amin, Forrest Whittaker is a revelation, giving what is unquestionably the best performance of his career. Playing each scene with a ferocious intensity, he evolves the character from a charming leader, full of smiles, to an utterly terrifying psychopath by the film’s end. His eyes have a riveting quality of keeping you perched on the edge of your seat, giving no indication of whether he is about to kill someone or simply bear his teeth into a grin. Documentary veteran Kevin Macdonald (One Day in September, Touching the Void) makes a spectacular narrative debut with this brutal picture; however, it is Whittaker that will linger in your mind long after the credits role.

Directed by Kevin Macdonald.
Written by Jeremy Brock, Peter Morgan and Joe Penhall.
Starring Forrest Whittaker, James McAvoy, Kerry Washington and Gillian Anderson.

Rated R for some strong violence and gruesome images, sexual content and language. 123 min.

****½ so says The Fish