Watching this film was a deeply moving experience for me. So many times we think we know something about a certain period in history and time, but we don't have a real grasp of the impact the events had on real people, how deep it cut, and how people had to struggle to survive.
In 1976 Philly the remnants of Black Panther movement is transforming itself, and we get to watch how different people choose their directions in life. It was eye-opening to understand how these choices will play out in today's Philly, today's America, 35 years later. The tragic events of the early 70's are bleeding into the love triangle that evolves, and the pain is palpable, thanks to beautiful, thoughtful performances by Kerry Washington, Anthony Mackie and an overall very strong cast.
The director's approach to film-making is essentially European in storytelling style, she employs different visual media modes from documentary to animation without a cheesy effect, and the main characters are complex and believable.
The movie is easy to watch, you root for the people you meet in it, and it allows you to explore simple, yet important questions - how would you act under pressure, who would you choose above all, what sacrifices you would make in life and how do you live with the aftermath of your decisions. Leaving a movie theater and still pondering over these questions a few days later - now, that's a rare occurrence these days.
