February is for acknowledging the beautiful black people that have enriched our culture, stood up to advanced our people and made a difference while doing so. There are so many African Americans that have broken glass ceilings for people of color to become great, and it should be something we talk about more often.
In celebration of Black History Month I would like to list some memorable black films this past year and one film I’m excited to see.
Black Panther
Even though a lot of y’all really stretched the whole “Wakanda forever” movement; I have to appreciate the many milestones this film surpassed. It was a film that showed an almost all African American cast playing something other than slaves or criminals, but Superhero’s that kick major ass. Ryan Coogler doesn’t shy away from complicated issues of race and identity but faces them head on to show what it means to be both African and African American.
The Hate U give
Based on the novel by Angie Thomas, this film tells a story we are all too familiar with. When the killing of an unarmed black man by a police officer shakes not only Starr’s community but the nation, she must make a decision. Hide and protect the false identity she has spent so much time crafting for her friends; or speak up for Khalil and the many others who suffered from this injustice. The themes of racial discrimination and police brutality are heavily relayed in this story between Starr and the people in her life. This clip below is a breakdown of the black panther scene from the beginning of the movie.
If Beale Street Could Talk
If Beale Street Could Talk tells a heartbreaking tale of an issue that is still very prevalent today. The topic of the many African American husbands and fathers separated from their families due to injustice. While watching Fonny and Tish’s love story unravel, the audience begins to see that there is no such thing as simply being in love while black in America. There will always be pain, distrust, heartbreak, and unfairness.
Green Book
Sorry To Bother You
Sorry To Bother You is a very eccentric movie. Cassius, played by Lakeith Stanfield is a broke black guy who lives with his girlfriend and gets a job at this weird call center. He quickly moves up in his position as soon as he adapts this “white voice” which attracts him a lot of sales. Cassius meets the CEO of the factory played by Armie Hammer and discovers a big secret of the company that changes everything. This movie has a lot of unexpected twists and turns in a funny dystopian way. I liked it because behind all the comedy, it really symbolized how far a “white voice” can get you in white America.
Blackkklansmen
Movie to Come: Us
I just put this on the list because I cannot wait for this movie to come out. Jordan peele gave us “Get Out” and now he is giving us “US”. This movie is different in that the main characters aren’t battling their oppressors but themselves. *Mind -blown*
