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Rosamund Pike and David Oyelowo

A UNITED KINGDOM (12A)

SERETSE KHAMA (David Oyelowo), heir apparent to the nation of Bechuanaland (now Botswana), is studying law in 1947 London before returning home to lead his people.

He has been prepared for this role by his proud uncle Tshekedi (Vusi Kunene).

At a dance organised by the London Missionary Society, Seretse falls in love with typist Ruth Williams (Rosamund Pike), to the outrage of her bigoted father George (Nicholas Lyndhurst). Paternal rage pales next to the indignation of Alistair Canning (Jack Davenport), the British government’s representative in southern Africa.

Unperturbed, the couple marries and Ruth accompanies Seretse to Bechuanaland, where she faces hostility from Seretse’s family and snivelling district commissioner Rufus Lancaster (Tom Felton).

A United Kingdom is a stirring ode to love, distinguished by molten on-screen chemistry between Oyelowo and Pike. Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard

ALLIED (15)

WING commander Max Vatan (Brad Pitt), a Canadian intelligence officer posted to London during the Second World War, parachutes behind enemy lines to assassinate a German ambassador.

He joins forces with glamorous French Resistance fighter Marianne Beausejour (Marion Cotillard), who will pose as his wife. Sparks fly as the faux romance kindles deep desire and, after travelling to England, they marry and raise a beautiful child.

But when Max is given damning evidence that Marianne is a German double-agent, Max must discover the truth.

Allied is a triumph of style over suspense.