They’re saddled with a script (by five writers, based on Mandela’s autobiographies) that’s reverent without being inspirational, and that prefers explanation to action. And Mr. Hooks and Mr. Calverley do little to dramatize it or give it a narrative or visual rhythm. The overall style is traditional Hollywood pious, and while “Madiba” (the title refers to Mandela’s Xhosa clan name) depicts violence and hatred, they don’t get under your skin. (Mandela’s only fault is that of the hero: He cares more about the cause than he does about his family.) Mr. Fishburne seems to have limited his performance accordingly, using the same furrowed expression of concentration from start to finish.

Source: New York Times January 31, 2017 21:12 UTC