Characters
Who was the South African prison guard assigned to monitor Nelson Mandela?
James Gregory
On which island was Nelson Mandela imprisoned for much of his sentence?
Robben Island
What political system does the film portray and critique?
Apartheid
In what year did apartheid officially begin in South Africa?
1948
Who says, “I am not a terrorist. I am a freedom fighter”?
Nelson Mandela
Which imprisoned anti-apartheid leader is central to the film?
Nelson Mandela
James Gregory was promoted due to his knowledge of which African language?
Xhosa
What kind of personal change does James Gregory experience throughout the film?
A moral and political transformation
In what year was Nelson Mandela released from prison?
1990
Which character says, “You are my prisoner, not my friend,” reflecting the early tension between them?
James Gregory
What is the name of James Gregory's wife, who initially supports apartheid?
Gloria Gregory
What event begins to change James Gregory’s views on apartheid and Mandela?
Reading Mandela’s letters and writings
What theme is reflected in the evolving relationship between James and Mandela?
Reconciliation
What political organization was central to the fight against apartheid?
The African National Congress (ANC)
In the film, James Gregory says this to Mandela: “I don’t understand you.” What is Mandela’s response?
“You don’t have to understand me. You only have to respect me.”
What is the name of James Gregory’s son, who symbolizes innocence in the story?
Brent Gregory
What incident involving Gregory’s son causes James Gregory to reevaluate the values he is teaching his family?
He is disturbed when his young son casually uses racist language, which makes Gregory realize how the ideology of apartheid is being passed down to the next generation through his own example.
What does Mandela’s willingness to forgive the people who imprisoned him show about what he believes is most important for South Africa’s future?
Peace (or Unity)
How many years did Nelson Mandela spend in prison?
27 years
Which character says, "It’s not enough to just obey orders. You have to think about what you’re doing"?
James Gregory’s son, Brent Gregory
Which government official in the film embodies the rigid, unquestioning loyalty to apartheid policies and pressures James Gregory to maintain control over Mandela?
Colonel Piet Müller
During a prison transfer scene, what subtle visual cue indicates a shift in the power dynamic between Mandela and Gregory?
Gregory hesitates before giving Mandela orders and avoids eye contact, showing respect and an unconscious acknowledgment of Mandela’s moral authority.
What aspect of life does the film show being affected by systemic racism?
Family and friendship
Nelson Mandela was released from prison after which South African president decided to make changes and end apartheid?
F.W. de Klerk
When asked about his feelings toward Mandela, one character responds, “You don’t understand the danger of a man like him.” Who says this, and what does it reveal about their view of Mandela?
Colonel Piet Müller; it reveals Müller’s belief that Mandela is a threat to the status quo and a symbol of rebellion against apartheid.