2009, UK
Drama, History, War
READ THE REVIEW AT The Desert Sun.
Extended version:
It is no small feat to bring together the conflicted minds behind the warring bodies of a nation. In 1986, Head of Public Affairs of Consolidated Goldfields, Michael Young, suggested a secret meeting between African National Congress (ANC) Director of Information, Thabo Mbeki, and Afrikaner representative Professor Will Esterhuyse. The results of these discussions would become the stuff of history via the abolition of Apartheid in South Africa, as presented in the film, Endgame.
Based upon the book The Fall of the Apartheid by Robert Harvey and directed by Pete Travis (Vantage Point), the film utilizes quick edits and cinematography that mimics hidden cameras in order to imply an urgency to the situation. One never knows who is watching whom nor who is telling whom the truth in the life threatening game that would ironically but ideally end in peace for both sides.
Jonny Lee Miller (The Flying Scotsman) portrays Young, the glue that brings everyone together and yet the quietest character. His personal motives are unknown, though from a business standpoint it is easier to work in a country not in the midst of civil war. However, the atrocities that he witnesses should be enough to drive anyone to seek a healing solution. As a British outsider, he attempts to act as unbiased moderator for his South African guests, who trust neither him nor each other.
Chiwetel Ejiofor (Talk to Me) plays Mbeki, aggravated by his country's constant state of unrest and busy counselor to ANC President Oliver Tambo. Tambo is secretly passing messages to the imprisoned Nelson Mandela, who is being carefully watched and dishonestly courted by the South African President through South African Intelligence, who is also keeping a thumb on Esterhuyse (William Hurt, delivering a curious Afrikaans accent) -- well aware of Young's covert meetings. A complicated series of relationships, indeed, representative of an exceedingly tricky history.
Endgame presents a terrifying recent history engulfed in a mindset of fear that is easily reflected in modern politics. The film tightens its focus, both through camera and topic, on direct actions related to the talks with only momentary glimpses on the chaos of the country's streets. Each side is allowed their demons and questionable methodology, and considering their capacity for destruction, it is amazing that these talks could result in anything constructive.
And yet, the film presents a hard-won miracle. Young's role is simultaneously downplayed and delivered as a phenomenal wonder. Considering the tunnel focus on the meeting at hand, the greater history plays an obvious role but is whittled down to incensed emotions and immediate attacks. To expand upon the evolution and dismantling of Apartheid would require an epic, so the quick and slick documentary approach of this film is effective. Endgame presents the devil in the details, and the story of Apartheid is rampant with details.