Endgame

South Africa, 1985. While the country is under siege, sanctions are biting, Mandela’s imprisonment is an international cause celebré, and the ANC guerrilla terrorist attacks are escalating. Every day the country is more ungovernable as it plunges towards the apocalypse of a race war. In saner moments everyone knows the vile apartheid regime is doomed but will the transition to democracy be peaceful or bloody? Working for P.W. Botha as a somewhat Machiavellian Head of Intelligence, Dr. Neil Barnard opens furtive talks with imprisoned Nelson Mandela. But lesser known are the secret talks that take place in the unlikely setting of a rural English manor house, arranged by a British businessman and sponsored by a mining company. Both sides have everything to win or to lose, including their own lives. The stakes are immense, the secrecy imperative. Botha learns of the UK talks and if the demise of apartheid is inevitable he intends to control the endgame by employing the tactics of divide and rule. Against all the odds, through volatile discussion, intrigue and breakthroughs, the unimaginable is achieved - a precious arena of frail trust between the two warring parties.

“Remarkable… All eyes are on Ejiofor and Hurt, who each deliver two marvelous performances, powerful and understated, that brilliantly capture how small and discrete the defining moments of history can be.” - Los Angeles Times



“This film, like “Frost/Nixon,” magnifies the personal conflicts and conciliations that make for good storytelling. The film is labeled a political thriller with some legitimacy, since it does have suspense, menace and even a scary car chase.” – The New York Times



“Effective Endgame depicts the last days of apartheid. The film vividly depicts the atmosphere of terror and repression that gripped the nation… a high-stakes game of poker - one that could get the players at the table killed. Endgame offers wonderfully subtle work from Miller, William Hurt, Derek Jacobi and John Kani. Special mention must be made of the charismatic Chiwetel Ejiofor. It’s worth watching Endgame just for the presence and quiet soulfulness Ejiofor brings to his role. The film ultimately shows how seemingly ordinary people, drawing on extra reserves of courage at a difficult time, can change history.” – Chicago Tribune

“The performances are superb throughout, particularly those of Miller, Hurt, Ejiofor and Clarke Peters, as Mandela.” – San Francisco Chronicle



“Gritty and ripping with tension.” – The Boston Globe

“It's riveting… a taut thriller” – Deseret News

“Tensions high in apartheid-era political thriller… completely captivating”

– Winnipeg Free Press



“Brilliant is the best way I can describe this film and I highly recommend everyone see it. In the climate we all now live in, this inspiring film has never had more relevance.”

– VideoViews.org



“5 Stars. Riveting and insightful. This movie deserves to be seen, not only because of its excellent depiction of one of the most important events in South African history as well as world history in general, but because it’s also a very honest and introspective film about a time when madness, racism and violence ran rampant throughout the country, and also a very suspenseful and thrilling one as well.” – efilmcritic.com



“Riveting…striking… hypnotically gripping.” – The Hollywood Reporter



“Crackling” – Variety



“Excellent” – The Observer



“Superb” – The Independent



“Unmissable” - The Times



“Compelling – and moving.” – The Daily Mail



“Absorbing…Travis is incredibly gifted at building tension.” – Screen Daily



“A film that thrills. As tense and gripping as it is human and moving.” – The Guardian



“Uncompromising drama… compelling viewing.” – The One-Line Review






“The principals, especially Ejiofor, rise above the starchiness that often hampers portrayals of recent, monumental history.” (Melissa Anderson, Village Voice)