First look as Jennifer Hudson is transformed into Winnie Mandela in trailer for new movie about Nelson's infamous wife
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Jennifer Hudson reveals the woman behind the controversial activist in her new film Winnie Mandela.
The 31-year-old actress delivers a dramatically charged performance and now fans can see it for themselves in the newly released trailer.
The movie, which is due to hit U.S. theatres on September 6, also stars 44-year-old Terence Howard and he's certain to send hearts fluttering as Nelson Mandela.
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Dramatic: Jennifer Hudson shows she's got the grace and skill to play the wife of former South African president Nelson Mandela in Winnie Mandela and now viewers can see for themselves in the new movie trailer
Pivotal scenes depict the couple's meeting at a political rally in 1957 to their wedding a year later and the birth of their two daughters.
Jennifer goes from playing a relative figure in the background to a crowd-attracting activist, and she got to get cosy with Terence too.
One romantic scene shows Jennifer and Terence in a remote tree-studded area while moving in for a long and lingering kiss.
Solitary: The actress said that she prepared for Winnie's 500-plus day imprisonment by forcing herself into solitary confinement away from friends and family
Making a difference: The real Winnie Mandela, now 76, continues to have an impact in the world; she is pictured here at an event in 2005
Romantic clinch: The trailer offers a glimpse of Jennifer and Terence Howard, who plays Nelson Mandela, sharing a passionate kiss
Fateful meeting: Jennifer's Winnie falls for Terence's Nelson after seeing him speak at a rally
Grand posture: Terence shows he's got the presence to pull this role off
In the pivotal wedding scene, the actress is wearing a white satiny gown with lace sleeves while a long veil billows from her delicately dressed hair.
She's holding a huge bouquet of big white roses while Terence stands next to her, looking charming in his dark suit with a creamy-white rose in the lapel.
Other scenes show Jennifer giving Terence the starry-eyed treatment as he portrays the much loved, often beleaguered and eventually incarcerated politician.
Retro look: As the couple met in 1957, Jennifer's wardrobe features a lot of vintage-looking dresses
Serious stuff: The trailer includes plenty of protest scenes such as this one where 'freedom' signs abound
Setting the scene: The bio-pic promises to be a cinematic wonder
Growing up in Chicago, Illinois, Jennifer never became familiar with the work Winnie did over the years.
As Jennifer told USA Today: 'I was an African-American girl, and I didn't know about this person who had a huge impact on the world. It's the hardest thing I've ever done.'
As the trailer progresses, Jennifer's portrayal of Winnie becomes sharper and more defined as the character herself develops a backbone akin to steel.
Mother to mother: Jennifer is a mom to four-year-old son David so that obviously helped her to play Winner, who had two daughters with Nelson
Arrested: When Nelson (Terence Howard) gets arrested, Winnie must find the courage to stand up to the South African government
Discovery: Jennifer said she didn't know about Winnie while growing up in Chicago, Illinois, but she can certainly vouch for her now
Stoic: Terence had to play it strong during the trial portion of the film
While Terence's Nelson is forced to suffer his days behind bars, Jennifer's Winnie rallies to set him free.
Jennifer has previously told how she slept in solitary confinement in a prison cell for several days to prepare for the more than 500 days Winnie spent imprisoned.
'Imagine living that? This was her life! This was real,' the actress told the Daily Beast. 'As a woman, I am angry for her, hurting for her.
Fighting mood: Jennifer is seen in military garb while delivering a rousing speech to the masses
Touching: The actress is sure to touch hearts during this prison visitation scene with Terence
He likes her: Terence's Nelson tells Jennifer's Winnie, 'I like you Winnie... you are not afraid'
'And as a mom? God, being in solitary confinement, away from my son just for five days when shooting those scenes—it was too much for me. I was drained and stripped down. I was changed.'
In real life, Winnie and Nelson separated in 1996 following his release from prison by the South African government.
Throwing another wrench in the wheels is the fact that Winnie, 76, is less than pleased that a movie has been made about her life.
Courage under fire: As Winnie, Jennifer goes from supporting wife to strong activist
Not everybody likes it: The real Winnie Mandela isn't pleased that a movie has been made to romanticise her life with Nelson
Bittersweet: Nelson and Winnie Mandela were photographed at London's Heathrow Airport in 1990, and six years later they divorced
Mass appeal: The romantic nature of the film, due out September 6, is sure to win over audiences
'I have absolutely nothing against Jennifer, but I have everything against the movie itself,' she told CNN in 2011.
'I am still alive and I think it is total disrespect to come to South Africa, make a movie about my struggle and call that movie some translation of a romantic life of Winnie Mandela. I think it is an insult.'
If the film industry likes Winne Mandela, the Dreamgirls Oscar-winner could take home another acting trophy.
A girl can dream: Jennifer, pictured leaving her hotel in NYC on Wednesday, might be hoping Winnie Mandela earns her another Oscar
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2386574/Jennifer-Hudson-shines-wife-Nelson-Mandela-trailer-new-film.html#ixzz2bMgxRsYi
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