Movies are very important to me. Some have soothed me through hard times, others made me cry from laughter. Most special of all is when, with the right movie, you learn something that truly shifts your mindset and broadens your perspective.
At this moment, societal revolution is unfolding across North America. Many white people (myself included) are finally educating themselves on this intricately complex situation -- which often means coming to terms with a life's worth of personal ignorance. Don't let that discourage you from digging deeper and learning more!
Since film is so accessible and attention-grabbing, I think it can be a powerful teaching tool at this pivotal time in history.
I'm going to share some titles that opened my mind to worldviews and histories beyond a white framework. These are all well-crafted and beautifully-told movies. If you're willing to pay close attention, they can help teach you what it means to be Black in America.
Obviously, this isn't an exhaustive list of every awesome film centered around Black lives, experiences, perspectives. (I am utterly unqualified to put together such a resource.) Instead, these are a handful of personal favorites because they moved me and taught me lessons I never realized I needed to learn. Sounds lofty, but it's the truth.
Most of these are newer films, easily found on major streaming platforms. So, if you're looking for something to watch this weekend, why not consider...
Beasts of the Southern Wild: I am forever blown away by this movie. Just watch the trailer and you can immediately tell that it's a masterpiece. While the overarching story breaks your heart, the main character, Hushpuppy, is the smartest, sweetest, strongest little girl you may ever meet. The world needs to pay more attention to young Black heroes like her.
BlacKkKlansman: Unbelievably based on a true story. You will laugh and rage in equal measure.
Blindspotting: From the outset, Blindspotting is the story of a man who, days away from the end of his parole, witnesses a brutal crime. What I liked most about this movie is the way it both plays with and confronts racial stereotypes -- especially how they reveal themselves between friends.
Da 5 Bloods: Spike Lee's latest film, released two weeks ago. I was struck by how the main characters balance patriotic duty with the reality of being Black men fighting for a country that considers them disposable, and how that weight manifests itself over time. (Similarly, if you're into the wartime genre, Mudbound shines light on the experience of a Black soldier returning to the South after serving in WWII.)
Do The Right Thing: Classic. Decades later, it feels no less immediate than when it was first released.
Get Out: Technically, this is a horror movie, but don't let that deter you. Its message on modern-day American racism is clear, strong, and (most horrifically of all) pointedly accurate.
Homecoming: A Film by Beyonce: This documentary-slash-concert-film is on another level. The show itself is historic and Beyonce's drive as an artist is unmatched. She dedicated herself to crafting an airtight show that honored Black experiences and, in doing so, pulls off the best Coachella show of all time.
Also, please keep in mind that BEYONCE BIRTHED TWINS ONLY A FEW MONTHS PRIOR TO THE PERFORMANCE. The woman can do anything.
If Beale Street Could Talk: A beautiful (and beautifully shot) story about love and family, and what happens when those bonds are tested, tortured by evil forces.
LA 92: Powerful documentary about Rodney King's brutal assault by cops, and the historic riots that followed a disgraceful failure of the Los Angeles justice system.
Loving: Sweet and heavy, Loving is a retelling of the real-life story of Richard and Mildred Loving, a couple who fought the state of Virginia for their right to marry, in a time when interracial marriage was illegal.
Moonlight: Even if you haven't seen Moonlight, you probably remember the epic Best Picture mix-up at the 2017 Oscars. This coming-of-age story will weigh on your heart. As a straight white woman, I was shamefully detached to the lived experience of being young, Black, and gay in America. I'm very grateful to this movie for helping me understand what one version of that experience could look like.
Queen & Slim: I've raved about this movie on the blog before and I would absolutely watch it again.
Sorry To Bother You: Funny, upsetting, fantastic. (Lakeith Stanfield can do anything.)
I have 13th and When They See Us lined up to watch next.
Have you seen (or were already planning to see) any of these movies? I'm always happy to hear your thoughts.
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