Stamped from the Beginning

Imagine what you'd do, in a world that's against you, where the prejudice and hate, controls your life and dominates, where the boundaries are so narrow, for you to plough your freedom farrow, and the clichés mould and form, to show you're nothing like their norm. Imagine what you'd do, controlled by those without a clue, as untruths are formed and conjured, by the government incumbent, who's intent to lend a hand, is cloaked with aims to keep command, as the message keeps repeating, cascades through generations reaping. Imagine what you'd do...

A powerful and thought provoking piece of documentary filmmaking.

Beautiful, informative and eye-opening documentary.

Direction of the film was seamless and organized. Provided alot of background on system on being Black in America that is clear, understandable to other American citizens as well as Black non-Americans.

Perfectly explained and succinct with need to know facts.

The art and music direction was stellar with images that helped to narrate story.

The citations were my favourite part as it helped to push film along.

I wish there a bit more but I understand enough to reach everyone.

As any documentary, they achieved aim of sparking thought and starting conversations. Definitely will recommend to others.

As "Stamped from the Beginning" (2023 release; 92 min.) opens, the off-camera interviewer opens with this question: "What's wrong with Black people?". The (Black) talking heads are stunned with this question. We then go back in time to when Blacks were forced (basically kidnapped) to the US. At this point we are less than 10 minutes into the documentary.

Couple of comments: this is the latest documentary from Black director Roger Ross Williams. More importantly, this is the movie adaptation of the 2016 acclaimed book of the same name by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, who himself is among the most interviewed talking heads. Along the way we get to know some historic figures whom I was not familiar with. The documentary is fast-paced, and well illustrated, but of course at times is difficult to watch, even if it is must-see for sure. I moved to the US many years ago, and am still learning every day about the dark past (and sadly, also present) of this country.

"Stamped from the Beginning" started streaming on Netflix last week, and I just caught up with it. There is good reason why this documentary is currently rated 100% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. If you have any interest in social justice and the correlating origins of Black racism, I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.

First off, the 'Half-Truths' review said that the movie said that Portugal had the start of slave trade which is false but the movie actually said it was that it (to the person) was the start of the TRANS-ATLANTIC slave trade.

Anyway, the actual movie is actually pretty good. It brought up points and information that (at least to me) made me want to look into the topic even further.

However, the editing was a bit cluttered but the mix of animation, video and hard-hitting narration and photos of objects/pictures/cartoons of the time. Also the music was a nice mix of hip-hop, dramatic classical, etc....

In conclusion (yes I know I'm writing this like a high school essay, let me be), the movie is pretty amazing and you should at least give it a chance.

I rarely if ever post on this platform, but this one really went on my nerves. The perception provided in this documentary is great. The information you get is educational and at times mind blowing (especially for those ill-informed of USA history).

However, the production, editing, scene cutting, jumping from animation to another and then leaving viewers longing with the animated scenery mixed with some modern songs that just do not sit right is something that diminished the very purpose of this ever so important narrative. It is almost impossible to endure such editorial horror without some skips. I think it requires more formal and serious approach corresponding to the knowledge of acting narrators and topic itself.