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Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Winnie On “Winnie”



((  Written By:  Mimi Tsiane  ))  Former South African first lady Winnie Madikizela-Mandela has some strong words regarding the epic biopic Winnie that, according to its IMDB page, is slated to be released in the United States this month.  “I was not consulted,” she told CNN.  “I am still alive, and I think that it is a total disrespect to come to South Africa, make a movie about my struggle, and call that movie some translation of a romantic life of Winnie Mandela.”
American actress Jennifer Hudson (Dream GirlsSex and the City, Weight Watchers Ads) stars as Winnie along with Terence Howard (CrashRed TailsThe Best Man) as Nelson Mandela in the movie produced by Bishop T.D. Jakes.  It has been almost 2 years since this movie came to our collective consciousness yet the movie shows no signs of being released, notwithstanding the November 2012 release noted on its IMDB page.  Based on the trailer, which you can watch here, I can honestly say Jennifer Hudson looks very pretty.  I apologize for the blatant shade; I have strong feelings. Will you go and see it?

((  Photo Credits:  Movie Still  ))

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is a non-issue. I'm sorry to say it but Winnie Mandela doesn't have the most pristine of reputations as far as political figures are concerned; what exactly were they supposed to consult her about? To talk to her would have been to re-write history. This happens all the time. #NoShade

honeybfly said...

No @Anonymous, if they wanted the movie to have some credibility they should have consulted her, and if they thought that she was re-writing history, they can present the version of her life that they think is more accurate. But first you talk to her to hear her side of the story. The controversy here is casting J. Hud as Winnie Mandela. Really? What about Terry Pheto?

Anonymous said...

How many movies are there about Winnie Mandela? Exactly. If we want our stories to be told we have to accept that sometimes they won't be perfect, as is the case with any biography, because the bottom line is that these are business decisions that are driven by money. Moving on ....

Anonymous said...


just the fact they are making a romanticised film about winnie mandela who is a very contreversial figure to start of with is already naiv as it is...- and honestly-there is no actress in SA who can play this role? sigh
cry our beloved country

Anonymous said...

how did jennifer hudson play winnie mandela knowing that winnie was actually mad at them not consulting her about the film? sounds like an ego trip to me u know? to be the actress who won an oscar n then play a key female figure down in "Africa" ...tsk. winnie has her faults but she has a point
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xj4s4v_winnie-mandela-concerned-about-biopic_lifestyle

Naila said...

I understand the movie is based on a biography by journalist Anne Marie du Preez. If that's the case, was Winnie Mandela upset when the book came out? As for the casting decision, I'm not here to criticize Jennifer Hudson for playing a South African woman? Why? We wouldn't even have a debate if a woman of African descent played an American woman. I bet you everyone here would be applauding the decision to cast an African actress. Now, if you want to criticize the butchered accents, let's talk.