Watch Nelson Mandela: Resistance

Nelson Mandela: Resistance is an Amazon Addon show that presents a compelling documentary of Nelson Mandela's struggle against apartheid in South Africa. The series chronicles the various events that shaped Mandela's life, beginning from his childhood, through his rise as a revolutionary figure, and finally, as the first democratically elected president of South Africa.

The series opens with Mandela's childhood in the rural village of Mvezo, where he was born in 1918. It explores his formative years and his education, which instilled in him a sense of pride in his African heritage and a desire for equality. The documentary then shifts focus to South Africa's history and the implementation of apartheid in 1948. The Black majority was forcibly segregated from the White minority and subjected to harsh laws that restricted their movement and political participation.

As the years went by, Mandela became increasingly involved in the fight against apartheid, joining the African National Congress (ANC), which was dedicated to ending the oppressive system. The series highlights Mandela's activism and leadership skills, which led him to become one of the most prominent faces of the resistance movement. We are shown his early involvement in peaceful protest against apartheid, the formation of Umkhonto we Sizwe - the armed wing of the ANC - and the planning of sabotage campaigns.

The documentary also delves into the brutal crackdown on anti-apartheid activists, the infamous Sharpeville Massacre of 1960, and Mandela's subsequent arrest and imprisonment on Robben Island. His time in prison, which lasted 27 years, is explored in detail, as is his eventual release and negotiations with South African leaders to end apartheid. The series rightly depicts Mandela as an inspirational figurehead for the anti-apartheid struggle, revered for his compassion, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice.

One of the most significant aspects of the series is its blending of interviews with archival footage, providing a nuanced portrayal of apartheid-era South Africa. The interviews conducted as part of the documentary feature key figures in the anti-apartheid movement, including Winnie Mandela, Cyril Ramaphosa, and Ahmed Kathrada. Their perspectives are invaluable in bringing the complex history of South Africa's struggle against apartheid to life.

Additionally, the series underscored how the movement against apartheid was not a solely domestic affair but had a far-reaching impact on the global stage. The documentary also examines the activism that took place internationally as numerous human rights groups, and countries protested the apartheid system, imposed economic sanctions, and called for Mandela's release.

The series doesn't shy away from exploring Mandela's mistakes during his presidency, highlighting how the South African government's post-apartheid struggles unsettled many. It looks into the various issues that Mandela and his administration faced during his presidency, such as reconciling various factions within the ANC and attempts to find stability in a society which had been torn apart by apartheid. Ultimately, however, the series' focus is on the numerous accomplishments of Mandela in helping to end apartheid, and his contribution to transforming a once-divided nation into a united Rainbow Nation.

In conclusion, Nelson Mandela: Resistance is an Amazon Addon show that offers an informative and thorough exploration of the life and legacy of one of the 20th century's most inspiring figures. The documentary offers a compelling and nuanced portrayal of Mandela's political and personal life and shines a light on the oppression that South Africans endured during apartheid. It is a poignant reminder of the immense impact that one leader can have in changing the course of history for the better. Anyone wanting to understand the man, his beliefs and the significance of his life should watch this series.

Nelson Mandela: Resistance is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between December 31, 2017 and on Amazon Addon