The Last King of Scotland

2006 • 123 minutes
4.4
240 reviews
87%
Tomatometer
R
Rating
Eligible
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About this movie

As Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, Forest Whitaker gives one of the greatest performances of modern movie history. This is Amin's incredible story as seen through the eyes of Nicholas Garrigan (James McAvoy), a young Scotsman who becomes the volatile leader's personal physician. Due in part to Amin's unexpected passion for Scottish culture, Amin even proclaims himself "The Last King of Scotland". Seduced by Amin's charisma and blinded by decadence, Garrigan's dream life becomes a waking nightmare of betrayal and madness from which there is no escape. Inspired by real people and events, this gripping, suspenseful stunner is filled with performances you will never forget.
Rating
R

Ratings and reviews

4.4
240 reviews
Cait M.
December 19, 2019
Very unique, something almost hypnotically interesting about it. Being based off a true story really added to how I felt afterwards. I never watch movies like this, but I'm surprised how good it was. The acting was top-notch. A couple of scenes were really grody, made my skin crawl; I don't recommend having a somewhat-younger audience watching this. I'm not sure I'd watch the film again, but I recommend it to anyone willing to endure a couple "what the actual heck" gory moments.
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Michele Pinsker
January 13, 2015
Every part of this movie carries the most poignant, powerful, suspenseful and intense performances in film history. Every character was stellar from James Macavoy to even the briefest performances of all the actors in the film. And Forrest Whittaker was beyond brilliant. He has always been a terrific actor from The Color of Money, Good Morning Vietnam to The Crying Game and now this outstanding portrayal of Idi Amin was Oscar Made. He won it and he sure as hell deserved it. I recommend everyone watch it.
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Barbara Barnes
December 23, 2014
Like Denzel in "Glory", Jamie in "Ray", Forest definitely had spiritual help pulling this one off! Wonder how long it took him to get out of character after the fact... Brilliant!
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