Loading...
22 January 2021
Black history, also known as African-American history is all about the 10.7 million Africans who were brought to America by white Europeans in the 1880s. Nearly 450 thousand people were shipped to the United States.
To honor the struggle and sacrifices made by African-Americans, February is dedicated as Black History Month. To celebrate and acknowledge the triumphs and struggles of African Americans throughout US history including the civil rights movement and their artistic, cultural, and political achievements.
February was chosen as the black history month as it marks the birth months of the two legends, Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. History succumbed to a handful of memorable moments and events. In Black history, those events include the courageous stories of The Underground Railroad and historic moments like the famous "I Have a Dream" speech by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. But these are very few significant and important events to know and remember.
To highlight and spread this expansive and growing history "Negro History Week" was established by historian Carter G. Woodson. However, just as Black history is more than a month, so too are the numerous events and figures that are time-to-time overlooked. There are many movies, short-films, shows are made to respect and recognize the hard work and sacrifices made by African Americans.
There's no better way to absorb information about the world than visualizing the facts. To be exposed to new ideas, culture, and histories films are found to be a great medium. As it is the month of February, the month of black history, here are some inspirational movies to watch.
Some of these might be a solid watch, but that is the point-education and desire for change come when we feel sad or provoked. Moreover, these stories can also be wildly entertaining and funny.
A Raisin in the Sun
(1961, drama film directed by Daniel Petrie)
Based on its award-winning play written by Lorraine Hansberry, this film witnesses the breathtaking performance of the acting legend Sidney Poitier. There was a time in the '60s when critics grew contemptuous of Sidney Poitier's acting and started treating his characters as too pleasing to be significant. It's a bit dated now but it surfaces the honest stories about Black families. In this film, the Younger family in Chicago receives a $10,000 insurance check after the patriarch dies, and suddenly their whole lives are turned upside down. What should they do with that money? Lorraine searches for the start of an answer to poet Langston Hughes' query, "What happens to a dream deferred?"
Killer of Sheep
(1978, drama film, directed by Charles Burnett)
The film depicts the culture of urban African-Americans in Los Angeles'. It is based on the life of a slaughterhouse worker in Los Angeles. The monotonous slaughter affects his life with his wife and his two children. Through a series of confusing episodic events, some of his friends frame him in a criminal plot. This film is filled with thrills and conspiracies, making it a must-watch movie.
Glory
(1989, American historical war drama, directed by Edward Zwick)
This Oscar-winning film does the outstanding work of spotlighting the story which was previously lost to history. The film brings out the lives of the soldiers of the 54th Regiment of the Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, one of the first all-black regiments in the Union army to their heroic actions at the Second Battle of Fort Wagner on July 18, 1863. Over 20 years later, the film is mostly known for its epic ending. It's not a perfect story, but the whole film is watchable for its throughout wonderful performances. In fact, Denzel Washington grabbed his first Oscar from the film "Glory".
Do the Right Thing
(1989, comedy-drama, directed by Spike Lee)
This film explores a Brooklyn neighborhood's racial tension, which results in tragedy and violence on a hot summer day. How frighteningly relevant it remains in 2020. Anyways, it is a fictitious story but according to Lee, he was partially inspired by the Howard Beach incident, in which a Black man was murdered as he fled a horde of white men. The event galvanized racial tensions in New York. The film is also cranky and funny, and the fact that all the characters are clearly and complexly drawn makes it feel like a real community
Daughters of the Dust
(1991, directed by Julie Dash)
Julie Dash's history-making movie. She is the first Black female director, writer, and producer featuring a movie. This film showcases a poetic, rich, and mythical vision of three generations of Gullah Geechee, women of South Carolina. It itself is a bold gesture of recovery. Dash's vision remains an invitation to Black filmmakers to twist ancestor tales into bold and haunting drama.
Malcolm X
(1992, biographical drama film, directed by Spike Lee)
Unfortunately, people depict this movie to be the more violent counterpart to Martin Luther King Jr. But this film proves, his life was so much more filled with agony. The film thoughtfully dwells on his criminal career, his imprisonment, his conversion to Islam, etc. It features the key events of his life like his marriage to Betty X, his pilgrimage to Mecca and of his reviews concerning whites, and his assassination on February 21, 1965. Defining childhood incidents, including his father's death, his mother's mental illness, and his experiences with racism are performed in flashbacks. Denzel Washington completely justifies the character with variation and intensity from head to toe. He completely acts with rage, power, and energy radiating from his face and expressions.
Fruitvale Station
(2013 biographical drama, directed by Ryan Coogler.)
Ryan Coogler's first feature film is all about the messy-beautiful life as the camera accompanies Grant (the protagonist) in the hours before his murder by a police officer. This film revolves around the time spent with friends, with his mother and his girlfriend, with his daughter. A scene where Oscar finds a fatally wounded pit bull (a dog). A young Black man was compassionately defamed by the people for that maltreated dog breed. There is an understated, disturbing grace in the portrayal of the story.
12 years A Slave
(2013 biographical drama directed by Steve McQueen)
Based on Solomon's depiction, this film is filled with frank, horrific violence as free man Chiwetel Ejiofor (the protagonist) is kidnapped from his happy life and sold into slavery in Louisiana. Nobody would have thought a dinner can be so catastrophic. Steve carefully researched and verified the story to make it as close to real events as possible. While the outrages of the slave owner are hurtful, it shows the psychological trauma and survival strategies by the protagonist. With its persistent portrayals of rape and torture, it will be very disturbing to give a watch to this. This movie has won multiple Oscars including the Best film.
42
(2013, sports film directed by Brian Helgeland)
This movie is based on a strong and candid look at the career of the first Black Major League Baseball player, Jackie Robinson. Chadwick Boseman has just nailed his character in this movie. And it really goes all the way to graphic insults. Boseman plays his character in a quiet and resilient way. His act occasionally flares in the deep feeling which is beautiful to watch. Just as beautiful is his brilliant baseball performance: Even if you are not fond of sports, watching him dominate on the field is extraordinary and inspiring.
Selma
(2014, historical drama, directed by Ava DuVernay)
The absolute brilliance of Ava DuVernay's feature is that it is contained to a small window during some of the most ear-shattering moments of the Civil Rights Movement. David depicts the voice and mannerisms of Martin Luther King Jr. perfectly. He also beautifully represents him as a man filled with his own quirks and imperfection. in addition, he plays the larger than life leader, exceptionally. The film is so mesmerizing, that registers Itself as so much educational. Basically, it's the perfect American historical drama
Hidden Figures
(2016, biographical drama directed by Theodore Melfi)
It is justifiable why this Oscar-nominated movie is so beloved. It spotlights the untold story of Black women who were major, but unacknowledged players in the U.S. space race. It is also very heartwarming with the beautiful performances from Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monae, and Octavia Spencer. Their brilliance and talent are a joy to watch. Moreover, this movie has received some criticism about digging into white savior territory, but it is absolutely still worthy as a cultural and educational tool to inspire many women out there.
Mudbound
(2017, historical drama, directed by Dee Rees)
This movie has received much recognition because it led Mary J. Blige to be the first person nominated for both singing and acting Academy Award in the same year 2017. But the epic story is just as extraordinary impressive as her achievement. This film showcase, two families, struggle against social and racial injustices. It takes you to the ear of world War 2. Although, it does not hide under racism or make the story sentimental. It covers the traumas of war with equal understanding and intelligence. The issues are just as admissible today as they were then.
Harriet
(2019, biographical drama directed by Kasi Lemmons)
The extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman's escape from slavery and transformation into one of America's greatest heroes, whose courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history.
Inspiration and education do not require a medium to radiate. It can come from any source. And nowadays films have become a great medium to spread awareness and education. It is said visual knowledge is the best knowledge and visual memory is the best memory. So, these above-mentioned films can educate people about Black history.
Summary
February, the Black history month. What can be more celebrating than watching movies that educate you and enlighten you with its facts? Movies have become the most easier and faster way to escalate knowledge. These movies are globally recognized and have achieved many academy awards and Oscars. So these movies are a must-watch. If you want to know the tortures, achievements, sacrifices of African-Americans.
