Opened: January 12, 2007

Directed by: Kevin Macdonald

Starring: Forest Whitaker, James McAvoy, Kerry Washington, Gillian Anderson, Simon McBurney, David Oyelowo, Stephen Rwangyezi, Abby Mukiibi Nkaaga, Adam Kotz, David Ashton & Barbara Rafferty

Using fact and fiction to tell of the real horrors that Uganda faced under President Idi Amin, The Last King of Scotland feels just as much of a thriller as it does historical drama.

Upon graduation from medical school, Dr. Nicholas Garrigan (James McAvoy) travels to Uganda to work at a missionary. When newly instituted President Idi Amin (Forest Whitaker) gets injured in the village, Nicholas takes care of him and accepts a job as his personal physician.

Whitaker perfectly portrays Amin and easily balances the palpable energy shifts from light-heartedness to being xenophobic and murderous. McAvoy is brilliant as well, though his character is a conglomerate of multiple people.

With the political unrest in the U.S. today, it’s eye-opening to see the story of a once beloved and respected man turn so nasty.

Final say: Whitaker is king. ★★★★☆