The story begins in the early 1960s, when Nelson Mandela spearheaded the fight against the South African government and was sentenced to life imprisonment. Soon, a global anti-apartheid movement amplifies the struggle worldwide, especially following the murder of activist Steve Biko.

Mandela wins over his prison guards, but the persecution of his wife Winnie Mandela continues. As Margaret Thatcher and President Reagan reject calls for sanctions against apartheid South Africa, the stirring protest song - Free Nelson Mandela - becomes a global anthem.