Watch Lives That Changed the World: Nelson Mandela

Lives That Changed the World: Nelson Mandela is a deeply moving and thought-provoking documentary that chronicles the life of one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. The film explores Mandela's early life, his political activism, his imprisonment, and his eventual release and rise to become the first black President of South Africa. The story is told through a combination of archival footage, interviews with people who knew and worked with Mandela, and expert analysis on his actions, impact and legacy.

The documentary begins by delving into Mandela's early life in rural South Africa, where he was born into the Thembu royal family. It traces his early influences including his Xhosa heritage and the Christian values instilled in him by his mother. The film then progresses to his move to Johannesburg at a young age, and his formation of the African National Congress Youth League in 1944.

The documentary then explores Mandela's political career, where he was at the forefront of the fight against apartheid in South Africa. It highlights key events in his life such as the Sharpeville massacre in 1960 and his arrest and imprisonment on Robben Island in 1964.

Throughout the documentary, we hear from experts in South African history and Nelson Mandela's contemporaries, including his friend and fellow political activist Ahmed Kathrada, his lawyer George Bizos, and his former personal assistant Zelda La Grange. They provide insights and anecdotes about Mandela's character, his leadership style and the impact he had on those around him. This, coupled with extensive archival footage of Mandela at various stages of his life, gives us a complete picture of the man.

The documentary is not just a chronological retelling of Mandela's life but also provides a deep insight into his methods and ideologies. It explores his belief in non-violent resistance, his perseverance in the face of adversity and his message of unity, forgiveness and reconciliation.

One of the most poignant moments of the documentary is the examination of his release from prison in 1990. It's a moment that is well-documented, but through the interviews and insights provided by both Mandela's contemporaries and political observers, we're able to understand the true significance of this moment.

Finally, the documentary looks at Mandela's post-prison life, his rise to become the first black President of South Africa, and his continued work to heal the nation's wounds through his message of reconciliation.

Overall, Lives That Changed the World: Nelson Mandela is a deeply moving and powerful documentary that offers a comprehensive look at the life of one of the greatest figures of the 20th century. The film is a must-watch for anyone looking to understand the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, and for those who desire to be inspired by the power of forgiveness, perseverance, and unity.