The Hate U Give

I watched this film at a Cineworld secret Unlimited screening on 8 October. I would like to say it was superb. But bearing in mind the subject matter, though it is an excellently made film, Powerful is more apt.

Without giving too much away, it highlights the divide and different attitudes from both sides of American colour.

I didn't know what to expect with this film, not even knowing the title. Well worth the time investment seeing it.

I believe this film creates an opportunity to open the eyes of someone not privy to our perspective. Sometimes they have to see these issues play out in front of them. A story or speech may not reach deep enough to connect you to the heart of people who have suffered loss and live in a near impossible situation. If you just see it as a I HATE WHITES movie, you've missed the point. Dig deeper.

Do I have some criticisms, of course. Some scenarios are obvious slaves to plot progression. One argument could be that only 1-2 characters had a complete arc and that some questions were left unanswered. Well, I agree. That's art imitating life.

I believe the dialogue regarding the title of the film was clever and introspective that I haven't been able to get it out of my head. It also asks me to form MY OWN opinion of the phrase's meaning. So: Mission Accomplished.

I'd say the acting was pretty good. Not the biggest fan of the language but unfortunately I know I'm in the minority there. Every character performed. It was exciting to see Anthony Mackie in this role. I think he sold it. Seven's actor stole his scenes. I believe that Common was allowed him to play himself, because a farther reach may not be believable. Amandla is something special. She is such a star and I can't wait to see what's in store for her.

Im proud to have seen it and it has the opportunity to open the eyes of some so blinded by their own privilege 8.5/10

The Hate U Give (2018) is a movie my fiancé and I watched while on vacation. The storyline follows a young lady on her way home with her best friend when he gets gunned down by police officers. Everyone around her seems to have an opinion on how she should handle the situation until her voice gets drowned out. Can the young lady find her forum to get her message out the way she feels most comfortable? This movie is directed by George Tillman Jr. (Men of Honor) and stars Amandla Stenberg (The Hunger Games), Regina Hall (Scary Movie), Common (Wanted), Issa Rae (Insecure) and Anthony Mackie (The Hurt Locker). The storyline for this is very well told and paced. The cast is well selected and delivers their characters well. The chemistry within the family and its dynamics are very apparent. The delivery of the main character was key to the films success and she was solid (not outstanding). Overall the movie is a bit predictable but has a good message and unfolds well. I'd score this a 7.5/10.

Because I'm from the city of St. Louis where we have our share of race issues, particularly issues that involve police, I really connected with the subject matter. It's a story worth telling, though I felt it was a bit over-written and more complex than it needed to be. But my biggest problem was that the presentation was too heavy-handed. Even though this movie unbiasedly explored the perspectives of everyone involved, it left no room for the viewers to form their own opinions. We were spoon fed, and at times it had the feel of an after school special. From the writing, to the performances, to the music, everything was very literal. There was no subtext or anything to read into. Maybe the filmmakers accomplished exactly what they were going for. The overall style was consistent throughout and it seemed that the artists behind this mostly hit their mark. For my money, however, I prefer an approach that is more challenging. But 6 out of 10 is still a passing grade. This is a subject that needed to be acknowledged on screen and I do feel that it was handled with respect and fairness.

Wow. Where do I start? I watch movie's of any type and genre If I think I will enjoy it and although (surprisingly) I had never heard of this film, it looked like one I might like. It had been on my planner for a couple of weeks and when I finally saw it I was blown away. I am a white male from a poor but not impoverished back ground, I have not experienced any of the events in the film nor do I know anyone who has, but I felt as though I was living the life of the main protagonist. The themes of unity and the situation of feeling like no one listens hit hard and the film worked wonderfully to illustrate how people at the bottom of the pile feel. Whether that be black, white or anything else. This film is not about one particular race over another it is purely about inequality in the structures around us.. I advise you give this film a watch and make up your own mind on what side of the fence you sit.