I just saw this film from Ryan Coogler. It tells the story of the final day in the life of Oscar Grant III, a man who died on New Year's Day of 2009. I'm not going to tell you anything about the story, but some friends and I wanted to be more aware in some small way of the black experience here in America. We had heard that this film was well-regarded, and it has launched the careers of Coogler, and Michael B. Jordan. You may recall that this director also gave us Black Panther, and the "Creed" series of "Rocky" spin-off films (also starring Michael B. Jordan).
I wept at the injustice of these tragic events. Oscar is somebody that you root for, even though you know he's made bad choices in the past--which the director doesn't hide from us, with flashback cut scenes--so the end is hard to take.
I understand why people are marching in the streets all over our country. I understand a little better why the group of friends went in the other direction when they saw the police. The events of that morning certainly vindicate their fear and hesitation.
My experiences have been different, which is why I wanted to see this story, and why I'm glad--despite the great sorrow it caused me--to have seen this film. If you have friends that are recommending films that will give you a sympathetic, yet realistic picture of black life in America, this is a good one to have on your list.
I wept at the injustice of these tragic events. Oscar is somebody that you root for, even though you know he's made bad choices in the past--which the director doesn't hide from us, with flashback cut scenes--so the end is hard to take.
I understand why people are marching in the streets all over our country. I understand a little better why the group of friends went in the other direction when they saw the police. The events of that morning certainly vindicate their fear and hesitation.
My experiences have been different, which is why I wanted to see this story, and why I'm glad--despite the great sorrow it caused me--to have seen this film. If you have friends that are recommending films that will give you a sympathetic, yet realistic picture of black life in America, this is a good one to have on your list.
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