King Leopold's Ghost Poster

King Leopold's Ghost 2006

★ 7.65 votes102 min📅 2006-05-28

"The unbelievable story of Congo's brutal history with its Belgian colonizers"

Dive into the chilling documentary *King Leopold's Ghost* (2006), directed by Pippa Scott, where history unfolds as a nightmarish tale of exploitation and human suffering.

Director: Pippa Scott

Cast

Don Cheadle
Don Cheadle
Narrator (voice)
Ciaran Reilly
Roger Casement (voice)
Alfre Woodard
Alfre Woodard
Ilanga (voice)
Philippe Bergeron
Philippe Bergeron
James Cromwell
James Cromwell
Frank McCourt
Adam Hochschild
Self
Tom Wright
Additional Narration
Annick DeVille
Self
Jean-Pierre Bemba
Self

Frequently Asked Questions

What is King Leopold's Ghost (2006) about?

*King Leopold's Ghost* (2006) reveals one of history's most disturbing chapters: how Belgium's King Leopold II turned the Congo into his personal fiefdom, extracting rubber and wealth through horrific violence against its people. The documentary traces the atrocities—forced labor, mutilation, and starvation—that defined this brutal regime and examines their lasting impact on the region.

Who directed King Leopold's Ghost?

The film was directed by Pippa Scott, a filmmaker known for her work in historical documentaries that challenge conventional narratives.

Who stars in King Leopold's Ghost?

The documentary features narration by Don Cheadle and an ensemble cast including Alfre Woodard, James Cromwell, and Frank McCourt.

Is King Leopold's Ghost (2006) worth watching?

*King Leopold's Ghost* (2006) is a gripping, if harrowing, documentary that demands attention. With its compelling narrative and strong performances, it offers both a history lesson and a moral reckoning. While intense, it's essential viewing for anyone interested in colonialism or human rights.

How long is King Leopold's Ghost?

The film runs for 102 minutes, or 1 hour and 42 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About King Leopold's Ghost (2006) — The Brutal Truth Behind Congo's Forgotten Horror

Dive into the chilling documentary *King Leopold's Ghost* (2006), directed by Pippa Scott, where history unfolds as a nightmarish tale of exploitation and human suffering. Based on Adam Hochschild's acclaimed book, the film exposes how Belgium's King Leopold II carved Africa's Congo into a personal empire from 1885 to 1908, turning a land of vast resources into a scene of unimaginable brutality. With narration by Don Cheadle and a powerful ensemble cast including Alfre Woodard and James Cromwell, the documentary blends historical rigor with visceral storytelling.

The atmosphere is heavy with moral outrage as the film dissects the atrocities committed under colonial rule—forced labor, mutilation, and mass starvation—that left deep scars on the Congolese people. Beyond the past, *King Leopold's Ghost* (2006) explores how these crimes echo into the modern era, forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about greed, power, and legacy. A haunting yet essential watch, this documentary transcends its genre to deliver a sobering lesson in history.