The Last King of Scotland

The Last King of Scotland

Year: 2006

Runtime: 123 min

Language: English

Director: Kevin Macdonald

BiographyDramaHistoryThriller

A young Scottish doctor volunteering on a Ugandan medical mission becomes entangled with the country's increasingly erratic leader, Idi Amin. Initially drawn in by Amin's charisma and promises, the doctor finds himself working closely with the dictator. However, he gradually becomes aware of the horrifying reality of Amin’s brutal regime and the atrocities being committed, forcing him to confront his own complicity and desperately seek a way out.

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Timeline – The Last King of Scotland (2006)

Trace every key event in The Last King of Scotland (2006) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Graduation in Scotland

In 1970, Nicholas Garrigan graduates from medical school in Scotland. Excited yet uncertain about his future, he feels the pressure of unexciting career prospects awaiting him back home.

1970 Scotland
2

Journey to Uganda

Seeking adventure and a fresh start, Garrigan accepts a position at a Ugandan missionary clinic run by Dr. David Merrit and his wife, Sarah. This marks the beginning of Garrigan's life-altering experiences in a foreign land.

Uganda
3

Amin's Coup

During Garrigan's early days in Uganda, General Idi Amin stages a coup, ousting President Milton Obote. This marks a significant turning point in Uganda's political climate, which Garrigan is yet to fully understand.

Uganda
4

First Meeting with Amin

Garrigan attends a public rally where he first encounters Amin, who presents a charismatic image of leadership. Contrary to Garrigan's initial fascination, Sarah cautions him about the dangers of dictatorships.

Uganda
5

Becoming Personal Physician

After treating Amin for a minor car accident and impressively euthanizing an injured cow, Garrigan earns Amin's admiration. Amin names him as his personal physician, which catapults Garrigan into a world of power and influence.

Uganda
6

Growing Influence

As Garrigan becomes entrenched in Amin's inner circle, he is drawn deeper into political affairs alongside his medical responsibilities. His initial attraction to Amin’s leadership begins to blur as he witnesses the surrounding violence.

Uganda
7

Affair with Kay

After learning about the complexities of Amin's polygamous household, Garrigan develops a romantic relationship with Kay, Amin's youngest wife. This affair complicates Garrigan's moral stance and puts their lives at risk.

Uganda
8

Assassination Attempt

Garrigan saves Amin from an assassination attempt, which solidifies his status as Amin's most trusted advisor. However, this act forces him to navigate the dangerous waters of loyalty amidst deadly paranoia.

Uganda
9

The British Offer

The British Foreign Office contacts Garrigan, hinting at Amin's past support from the UK. They offer help against Amin, but only if he agrees to assassinate the dictator, a morally challenging proposition Garrigan firmly rejects.

Uganda
10

Kay's Pregnancy

Kay confides in Garrigan that she is pregnant with his child, fearing for her life as Amin's jealousy grows. The situation escalates as Garrigan grapples with the implications of their relationship amidst rising danger.

Uganda
11

Kay's Tragic Fate

Unable to meet Kay for a critical appointment, she undergoes a dangerous abortion and is captured by Amin's regime. Garrigan's world is shattered upon discovering her mutilated body, pushing him to confront the brutal realities of Amin's reign.

Uganda
12

Chaos with Hijackers

Pro-Palestinian hijackers seize an Air France plane in a situation that requires Amin's intervention. Garrigan, amid the chaos, attempts to carry out his plot against Amin, but is ultimately betrayed by Amin’s bodyguard.

Uganda
13

Garrigan's Escape

After being tortured, Garrigan escapes with the help of Dr. Junju during the chaos surrounding the hostage situation. Junju urges him to expose Amin's tyranny, leveraging Garrigan's foreign identity for greater impact.

Uganda
14

Final Confrontation

As Garrigan dons Junju's jacket to blend in, he reenters the scene just as the situation escalates. His actions culminate in a desperate bid to take down Amin and escape the consequences of his past choices.

Uganda
15

Amin's Downfall

The film closes with actual footage of Amin's regime, highlighting the tragic loss of 300,000 lives in Uganda. It concludes with Amin’s eventual downfall in 1979 and his subsequent death in exile in 2003.

2003 Exile

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 22:23

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The Last King of Scotland Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Last King of Scotland

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Last King of Scotland

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