Review: Selma.

Selma

2014

Director: Ava DuVernay

Writer: Paul Webb

Lead Actors: David Oyelowe, Carmen Ejogo, Oprah Winfrey

Selma is an intense, emotional movie about the Civil Rights Act Movement that leaves viewers feeling raw and motivated. 

The storyline follows Martin Luther King Jr. on his journey to end discrimination against black American people in the south. While on this journey to create and execute the non-violent protest march from Selma to Montgomery, the people involved are faced with violence from the white people of the towns. 

This story is incredibly emotional and one I would watch in order to better educate myself on the discrimination that black Americans have faced throughout our countries lifespan. And continue to face. It truly breaks my heart. 

The opening of this movie was terrifying and I think it was an incredible idea to start off like that. My only stipulation was the pacing. It seemed a bit of a roller coaster, high intensity to calm and back again. This may have been my user error though since I paused on occasion. 

As for the casting, perfect. Each character was extremely well played but, for some reason seeing Oprah kind of took me out of the movie. Don’t get me wrong, she a cool gal but her presence is almost distracting. 

It was directed well, and I have little to criticize honestly. Ava DuVernay did an amazing job. As with all the actors/actresses in the film. 

Nothing shocking or out of place in the set/costume department- although, every time I see a confederate flag I gag a little. Which has nothing to do with the movie in any aspect, just my own side comment. 

Overall, I think this movie is definitely worth watching at least once and in honor of Black History Month, even more so. Understand your privileges and be aware of others’ hardships. Educate yourself and others’.