charmeljoiner

The Birth of a Nation: Movie Review

"Freedom is never given; it is won" A. Philip Randolph

Nate Parker's directorial debut feature film 'The Birth of a Nation' (2016) stretches beyond the notion of 'a slave movie'. Hence, it is not a film about slavery, nor should it be confused with D.W. Griffith's, silent yet historic film 'The Birth of a Nation, (an American film produced in 1915 in order to popularize the existence of the KKK and at the same time create negative stereotypes about Black Americans. Parker's 'The Birth of a Nation (2016)', on the other hand, is a story about a mission fulfilled and in doing so, exposes horrific practices used by American slaveholders in order to control the African Slave. One such practice motivates the main character; an unusual slave named Nat Turner and this leads to the stories explosive climax. As more examples of 'methods to control' became evident to Turner, numerous forms of resistance employed by those in bondage, including Turner began to unfold. With a new outlook, Turner's vision becomes the essence of his journey and in turn, that journey becomes the legacy of Nat Turner. Throughout the film, Parker's decision to show the continued process of making and then breaking a slave, no matter the age or gender, became crucial and thus, set the stage for various forms of resistance that were eventually carried out. In doing so, however, the unthinkable was exhibited; so gruesome that during a few scenes in the movie, I had to turn my eyes away from the screen just to get relief.

While 'The Birth of a Nation (2016)' is told through the eyes of Nat Turner, it is not a story about Turner. Nate Parker's depiction of Nat Turner in The Birth of a Nation (2106)' erases all myths bout Turner's objectives and thus forecasts a series of unthinkable events that ultimately leads up to the decision to rebel. The actors are chillingly convincing, as too the chronicled events that becomes the gateway to understanding the desire for true freedom. If you thought you have seen all the slave movies you could stand, sit and watch this one. (A) By Charmel A. Joiner

On Miles Ahead

Miles Ahead is not a documentary. Neither would I call this film a biopic. It doesn't describe Bee Bop, nor does it exhibit the thrills of live vintage performances once showcased at one of the world's most famous Jazz venues, The Village Vanguard. It's not about Mile's many addictions and never explores his International acclaim. Miles Ahead is a moment in Jazz History. It details a passionate protest, an objection to or disapproval of something, either formally or publicly. In this case, Don Cheadle's Miles Ahead is about both. Throughout the film, Miles's only mission is to reclaim a master copy of his Music of which Columbia Records subsequently owns. Columbia's mission, on the other hand, is to have complete ownership of Mile's music and that included 'Someday My Prince will Come', the album which features a picture of Frances, the love of his life (or so we think) on the cover. Knowing this, Davis quickly demonstrates his objection by reminding Columbia's executives that 'HIS MUSIC' was truly his and for this reason, Don Cheadle as Miles Davis stops at nothing in order to take back and control what he believed was rightfully his own.

If you come out of the theater knowing one thing about Miles Davis, Let it be that Mile's music was sacred to him, more important than his marriage, his reputation or his many addictions.

Chasing the American Dream; 'Starting from Nothing and Making it Happen', is an obvious theme in STRAIGHT OUT OF COMPTON. And while the movie displayed New York's B-Boy representation of Hip Hop Culture from the East, something else was brewing out West. "Reality Rap" or Art, as Ice Cube described it, exposed an underground culture in South Central Los Angeles, that up until that time, no one knew existed. Although set in California, this was no Hollywood film, as vivid images of real obstacles hovered over five young dreamers, Dr. Dre, MC Ren, Ice Cube, DJ Yella and Eazy E, who, despite these obstacles, managed to change Hip Hop's course. No Graffiti Artist, no Break dancers, no MC. Just a 'Dope Beat' and a Rapper with lyrics to match, which ironically held the story line that explained NWA"s journey. The casting was on point as well as the writing and direction. Everything you thought about NWA's persona is erased as we learn that these young minds were well equipped to deal with and combat any and everything that came their way. This film shed exposed America's complex situations and NWA's 'Straight Out of Compton' delivered the commentary.

Top 5, within Hip Hop Culture, refers to a list of Top MC's or rappers, past or present, who has made significant contributions to that culture. While several 'Top 5s' are mentioned, something deeper is revealed throughout the film. The message is very clear,yet there are several humorous distractions. In Top 5, Rocks maturity is unveiled and deeply expressed as he aspires to progress from playing fictitious characters to portraying more meaning roles in Hollywood. His dreams are shattered,however,as he soon realizes and then accepts that he has become typed cast in Hollywood and no one takes his desires seriously.

Once you become aware of this message you will feel Chris Rock even more.