Last Saturday, thanks to my mom, John and I were able to steal away for the afternoon to have lunch and catch a movie. We debated back and forth on which movie to see...The Intimidation Game, Unbroken, but we finally landed on Selma. We do not have cable TV in our home, so we had not seen any trailers for Selma. But, after reading the description we knew we had to see it.
And I'm so glad we did.
First, a brief re-cap of the movie via IMDb:
"The unforgettable true story chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement. Director Ava DuVernay's "Selma" tells the story of how the revered leader and visionary Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that forever altered history." (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1020072/)
The movie also explores the tensions between Dr. King's group, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) as well as tensions in Dr. King's marriage, which were egged on by the FBI. While I was familiar with the SCLC and SNCC, I was unaware of the tensions between the two groups, at least in Selma. Additionally, I knew very little about Dr. King and Coretta Scott King's marriage, let alone the interference from the FBI. To be fair, Dr. King was unfaithful, but the FBI added to the strains on their marriage in a variety of ways, aimed at creating additional turmoil in their home and sidetracking Dr. King. Nothing short of tragic and, frankly, un-American.
It should be noted that there has been some debate regarding the portrayal of President Johnson in the movie, and one should be aware of that prior to viewing the movie, but that is for another conversation.
Although the movie is rated PG-13, I found the very realistic violence overwhelming at times. John and I were both in tears at various points in the movie. I just can't believe that these events happened, and just over 50 years ago. It makes one think of all of the extreme evil that we don't see.
With that being said, I left the movie feeling hopeful and admiring the bravery of people working towards what is right. The battle may be long and arduous, but in the end good does prevail. I love knowing that there are people in this world who feel so strongly about correcting injustice that they are willing to make great sacrifices. How can you not be hopeful knowing that there are unyielding people on the side of righteousness?
And while there are many more obstacles people of color (I would also add women and religious minorities) have to overcome, the sacrifices of those who came before us were not in vain. They accomplished much and created a foundation for future generations to build on. They continue to be an example and source of strength for people in their time of struggle.
I haven't been able to stop thinking about this movie since we viewed it. I find myself drawing parallels between recent events, including the Charlie Hedbo attacks in Paris coupled with the anti-Muslim and anti-religion backlash that has ensued across Europe. I certainly do not condone the terrorist attacks in any way, but nor do I condone the French's attacks on religious individual's rights to be able to express their faith via religious clothing and symbols.
In short, get out and see this movie. It is nothing short of moving and will hopefully continue to spur conversations regarding the protection of freedom and justice.
No comments:
Post a Comment