A United Kingdom Parent Guide

One London evening in 1947, Ruth Williams (Rosamund Pike) reluctantly gives in to a request from her sister Muriel (Laura Carmichael) to go to a missionary society dance. Ruth heads out the door for an evening that will change not only her life, but the history of southern Africa. Attending the dance is Seretse Khama (David Oyelowo), a law student from the British protectorate of Bechuanaland (now called Botswana). Seretse is intelligent, articulate, and thoughtful, and the couple soon fall in love. The relationship isn’t all smooth sailing however, Seretse is black and Ruth is white. And Seretse is heir to the tribal kingship of the Bamangwato people.

Ruth accepts Seretse’s marriage proposal but congratulations are not forthcoming. Ruth’s father is outraged and refuses to speak to her. A British government functionary tries to bully her into calling off her engagement. And Seretse’s Uncle Tshekedi (Vusi Kunene), acting as Regent in Seretse’s absence, is incensed by the marriage. When the happy couple arrive in Bechuanaland, the situation worsens. Seretse’s relatives want nothing to do with Ruth, and Tshekedi calls a kgotla (tribal council) to strip his nephew of his right to the kingship over his marriage. The British government, under pressure from the apartheid regime of South Africa, does everything possible to deny Seretse the kingship. Seretse and Ruth must call upon their mutual love and loyalty, their intelligence and strategic skills to save their marriage and serve their country and people.

A United Kingdom is a beautiful story, well told, but it is not for children, who will likely be bored. Parents considering this story for viewing by teens can be confident that there are few content issues: minor vulgar language and a few racial slurs, occasional smoking and social drinking, and two violent scenes that are neither excessive nor gory. The issue that may deter some parents is a sensual scene on Ruth and Seretse’s wedding night. Seretse is shirtless and the couple are caressing one another; Seretse is sliding Ruth’s lingerie strap off her shoulder. It is worth noting, however, that there is no further nudity and this scene takes place within the context of a committed marriage relationship.

This movie also comes with some big pluses. First, it provides a wonderful illustration of a loving, loyal marriage. Ruth and Seretse gain strength from each other and are totally devoted to one another. This is exactly the kind of marriage most parents will want their teens to see on the big screen. Second, the film contains powerful messages about justice and racial equality. When Tshekedi tries to have Seretse removed from the line of succession, Seretse makes a passionate plea for racial equality. He says “We should not be fighting for segregation. We should be fighting for equality… Africa can never be free until all those who live in her, white and black, recognize that race must have no bearing on equality and justice.” This timeless message is one with the power to unify to all who are willing to listen and act on it.