Within
history there’s so much to tell and pass on to future generations. Some figures
are plastered on the covers of history books with their statues erect for the
world to see, while others are forgotten or swept under the rug. If only all
historical figures had a chance to tell their side of the story who knows what
world we’d live in today. One of those stories that most have never heard of is
that of Nat Turner (Nate Parker). He was an African-American who led a
rebellion of slaves and free Blacks in Southampton Virginia in 1931 that led to
the death of their masters. This is Nate Parker’s directorial debut, and it’s a
near masterpiece. Parker was not only able to address a different context of
slavery, but was also able to shine light on how much history repeats itself.
It’s an uncomfortable film to watch, but a form of art everyone should see.
Whether or
not every incident within The Birth of a Nation is true or false, it’s
clear Parker is making a few political statements. At the time of this release,
in Fall of 2016, it echoes the same sentiments that are heard in the middle of
presidential rallies today. The film screams to the roof tops on many levels on
how nothing has changed as far as people’s prejudices against those who don’t
look the same as they do. It’s also a prime example of how those who don’t know
the future are doomed to repeat it, and is a wakeup call to stop the atrocities
that are still going on. This will definitely upset the guilty, and it’s apparent
to me this was intentional.
Before its
release, you were probably under the impression that the protagonist is one to
praise due to this being a true story. You wouldn’t be wrong for making that
assumption, but what the film does so well is give you a reason why with Nat
Turner’s youth. He was told he was special and would do great things, and that
was the spark that sent him on his way. There was a purity and innocence
towards the introduction that pulled on your heart strings for you to care. You
felt nothing but sympathy for Nat as he was born into the world just like his
childhood friend Samuel Turner (Armie Hammer), only to have Turner turn
on him years later and to be looked down upon. It’s frightening to imagine
generations of people had to cope with this, and Parker illustrated the
damaging psychology through his great direction and phenomenal acting abilities
in front of and behind the camera.
As mentioned
earlier, the film at times is uncomfortable to watch as men and women are
treated worse than anything imaginable. This isn’t just another movie about
being beaten with whips, but being degraded to a level I didn’t think was
possible. Even within all the brutality, Parker was able to show the power of
love. That love that’s shared between a man and woman destined to be together.
That love for justice and never giving up. You see, Nat Turner was so powerful
with his presence it’s shocking he never lost his faith. No matter what cards
he was dealt he knew he was alive to do something meaningful. That’s what’s so
honorable about his character. He had no reason to believe he would ever endure
a good day, yet he kept fighting on. It wouldn’t have mattered though if the performance
didn’t cater to the man, and with Nate Parker it did. With it being nearly the
end of the year he needs to be in the conversation for best male leading role.
There was so much pain behind his eyes as he cried on screen. He trembled and
shook so fiercely back and forth as he was boiled up with frustration and anger
from the unrighteousness done to him and his people. On top of that, he still kept
his head high. And with the acting I don’t know what was more painful; looking
at him and his fellow slaves withstand a beating, or the fact that with
everything taken away from him he stayed strong. When he cried the audience
cried, because it’s all so hard to stomach. He was a smart man and tried to use
his talents wisely. Not for those that surrounded him, but for all that are
oppressed and would be oppressed in the future. Even when the White man tried
to justify their evil using the word of God, he wasn’t having it. And I
couldn’t imagine any other actor telling it the way he did.
There are so
many wonderful achievements that were reached in the making of this film. A
man’s debut behind the camera was knocked out of the park for many reasons. It
was for finding balance between the light and the dark. At times while someone
was degraded, another character was shown love. While another was put to shame,
another was encouraged for their beauty. While some were beat down, others were
built back up. Not only is this film a great history lesson, it contains a
powerful message that’s uplifting, motivating, inspiring, and will get a
conversation started. The acting was superb across the board from every mannerism,
gesture, and emotion; and If you don’t turn in your seat a few times there’s a
chance you don’t have a pulse.
9/10
Release Date: October 7, 2016
Director: Nate Parker
Writer: Nate Parker, Jean McGianni
Celestin
Cast: Nate Parker, Armie Hammer,
Penelope Ann Miller, Jackie Earle Haley, Mark Boone Junior, Colman Domingo,
Aunjanue Ellis, Dwight Henry, Aja Naomi King, Esther Scott, Roger Guenveur
Smith, Gabrielle Union, Tony Espinosa, Jayson Warner Smith, Jason Stuart, Chike
Okonkwo, Katie Garfield, Kai Norris, Chris Greene, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Steve
Coulter, Jeryl Prescott, Justin Randell Brooke, Dominic Bogart, Justin M Smith,
Allen Phoenix, Aiden Flowers
MPAA Rating: R
Runtime: 120 minutes
Production Company: Argent Pictures, Bron Studios,
Creative Wealth Media Finance, Follow Through Productions, Hit 55 Ventures,
Infinity United Entertainment, Juniper Productions, Mandalay Pictures, Novofam
Productions, Oster Meida, Phantom Four, Point Made Films, Tiny Giant
Entertainment, Fox Searchlight Pictures
Genre: Biography, Drama
Language: English
Country: USA
Budget: $10,000,000 (estimated)