Before you discredit this film as being just another biopic, especially alongside a number of Oscar hopefuls that wishes to use their authentic “true life story” status for Academy soft-spot loving, know that Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom is not just another movie you’d see in history class. With terrific acting, cinematography so effortless it transports you into another era, and a script that stays extremely close to the actual events of the South African Apartheid, this film proves it is worth investing in, even if you’ve heard the story before.

Nelson Mandela left his mark in history, and the film world is no different. Morgan Freeman, Terrence Howard and Sidney Poitier have all had their turn portraying the icon, and now Idris Elba joins the ranks of their elite as he transforms into Nelson Mandela, a role which ought to bring him even more critical acclaim as an in-demand actor. With a resume including Stringer Bell on “The Wire”, he’s proven to be a gifted actor, and even if he doesn’t physically resemble Mandela, Elba’s characterization is spot on. His performance is both emotional and strong.

This film proves it is worth investing in, even if you’ve heard the story before.

You can’t rush through the life of any man, yet alone the life of Nelson Mandela, and this film doesn’t try to. Its 2 1/2 hour run time focuses on Mandela’s political activism during the 1940’s, summarizes the 27 years he spent in jail, and his subsequent release and pre-Presidential role. His romance with Winnie Mandela, played by Naomie Harris, doesn’t get as much screen time as it deserves, although what scenes they do share are heavy. It’s a lot of ground to cover, but director Justin Chadwick chooses his moments carefully; every scene, every moment has a purpose. Unlike some films, Chadwick “cuts the fat” and doesn’t portray what isn’t absolutely necessary to his vision.

The look and feel of Mandela is also worth noting; cinematographer Lol Crawley should be praised for his work, every shot was composed as if to exist as a beautiful photograph. The costumes are another notable characteristic of the film; the 1940’s fashion scene is always a hit, you can never have enough tortoise shell horn-rimmed glasses.

For those looking for a straight history lesson, or for those looking for a time period drama, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom is a film that meets both expectations. It’s length makes watching it more of a commitment than other, but if you’re willing to set aside the time, the result is worth it.