The Last King of Scotland

My friend, Ben Langford, wrote the following about the new movie, The Last King of Scotland.

There is a movie coming out in three weeks in American theaters called the “Last King of Scotland” The Movie is set in Uganda during the time of Idi Amin (Uganda’s ruthless dictator from 1971-1979). Here is a blurb about the movie.

“In an incredible twist of fate, a Scottish doctor (James McAvoy) on a Ugandan medical mission becomes irreversibly entangled with one of the world’s most barbaric figures: Idi Amin (Forest Whitaker). Impressed by Dr. Garrigan’s brazen attitude in a moment of crisis, the newly self-appointed Ugandan President Amin hand picks him as his physician.”

The movie is based on a book called “The Last King of Scotland.” If you are wondering were the title comes from, Idi Amin often affectionately refered to himself as The Last King of Scotland. The movie is based on true events and part of it was filmed on Main Street Jinja, near where we live. We actually saw them filming a scene on day and got to talk with people on the film crew. We hope that you are able to take some time and go see this film. We havn’t seen it, but hope it will give you a glimpse into Uganda life and history. Idi Amin is still very much in the minds and mermory of many Ugandans who lived during his dictatorship. So much so, that in the last election, when I asked many people why they wanted to vote for the incumbant President, Yoweri Musevini, they would simply respond, “Because he doesn’t kill people!” Clearly the threat of Amin is still a reality for many even though he is dead. Therefore, I hope this movie will give you a glimpse into the lives and memory of many of the people whom we work with and love.

Below is a link to a website with information and a trailer on the movie. Enjoy the movie!

http://www.apple.com/trailers/fox_searchlight/thelastkingofscotland/
From Jinja, Uganda,

Ben Langford