The journey begins when Nelson Mandela's dying father expresses a wish that he become the king's royal counsel. Mandela, though, cannot ignore South Africa's injustice, so he joins the ANC.

After revealing the bold tactics used by himself and his collaborators to draw attention to their movement, Madiba remembers the sacrifices of many on the way to freedom.

Nelson flees capture, going to ground to hide from the government. Building a military arm for the ANC, he decides to leave the country for training. Oliver Tambo travels to London to evade the authorities and start a global campaign.

Imprisoned for life, Nelson must keep up his resistance on Robben Island. Meanwhile, the ANC manages to keep the international spotlight trained on apartheid.

Nelson manages to win over fellow prisoners. Prisoners of conscience soon join his cause, while Oliver Tambo's Free Mandela campaign gains momentum.

Finally released from the confines of prison, Mandela's liberation does not come without cost as his marriage with Evelyn falls through.