Even before watching this movie you have to be baffled by the story presented, a story so unlikely it sounds like Hollywood made it up. But in its truth perhaps is the key message and, with Spike Lee's wonderful direction, it turns the camera back in our faces and asks the more poignant question of; if that was then, why are there still problems now? Perhaps a story destined to be told at this very time what with all the politics involved over the pond with a certain "Agent Orange" at the helm, (a quote Mr Lee said himself in a Q&A shown after the film, I was lucky to catch).
From great stories often come some of the greatest films and this really did justice to the amazing tale of Mr Stallworth, and credit will mainly have to go to the superb John David Washington who really blew me away. He brought such vibrancy to the character that you instantly fell in love with the man. He was not alone thankfully, and kudos must also be dealt to the second Ron Stallworth of the piece, Adam Driver, who gives a great performance and my favourite of Drivers career so far.
What made this film a true special was how, despite its quite serious tones regarding race and the subject of the Klan's hate filled attrocities, it managed to find humour! It managed to make this a very enjoyable movie throughout, actually. Particular highlights were Ron's phone conversations with Klan leader David Duke merged seamlessly with more grotesque footage of a Klan initiation ending in the bigots cheering DW Griffith's now controversial film, Birth of a Nation, widely regarded as an American masterpiece despite its connotations with the rebirth of the Klu Klux Klan. This movie would heavily feature in the very interesting Q&A with Spike Lee, who implored this movie should not be banned, but should be discussed, he regaled how at college he studied the movie's applauded techniques but was disillusioned with how little debate about the content they were allowed to explore.
And that really is the key to this movie. It's Spike Lee at his best, exploring the life of African American struggle in America while maintaining a cool and contemporary vibe, not to mention using a memorable soundtrack to set us well and truly in the 70's. Fantastic scenes such as the disco dancing scene, set to "Too Late to Turn Back Now" by Cornelius Brothers and Sister Rose, really pop off the screen, but all the while you know the director has his sights set on exposing his message and the quite majestic end scene that I won't spoil for you.
This really is a modern masterpiece everyone should be rushing out to go see and I'm sure Lee will be revered by many. Asked about whether this was a film which sat nicely in his legacy, he gave a sly smile and suggested people don't write his epitaph just yet...
It went above and beyond in entertainment and politics and this joint left me very high, we hope Spike Lee can make movies like this for many, many more years!
From great stories often come some of the greatest films and this really did justice to the amazing tale of Mr Stallworth, and credit will mainly have to go to the superb John David Washington who really blew me away. He brought such vibrancy to the character that you instantly fell in love with the man. He was not alone thankfully, and kudos must also be dealt to the second Ron Stallworth of the piece, Adam Driver, who gives a great performance and my favourite of Drivers career so far.
What made this film a true special was how, despite its quite serious tones regarding race and the subject of the Klan's hate filled attrocities, it managed to find humour! It managed to make this a very enjoyable movie throughout, actually. Particular highlights were Ron's phone conversations with Klan leader David Duke merged seamlessly with more grotesque footage of a Klan initiation ending in the bigots cheering DW Griffith's now controversial film, Birth of a Nation, widely regarded as an American masterpiece despite its connotations with the rebirth of the Klu Klux Klan. This movie would heavily feature in the very interesting Q&A with Spike Lee, who implored this movie should not be banned, but should be discussed, he regaled how at college he studied the movie's applauded techniques but was disillusioned with how little debate about the content they were allowed to explore.
And that really is the key to this movie. It's Spike Lee at his best, exploring the life of African American struggle in America while maintaining a cool and contemporary vibe, not to mention using a memorable soundtrack to set us well and truly in the 70's. Fantastic scenes such as the disco dancing scene, set to "Too Late to Turn Back Now" by Cornelius Brothers and Sister Rose, really pop off the screen, but all the while you know the director has his sights set on exposing his message and the quite majestic end scene that I won't spoil for you.
This really is a modern masterpiece everyone should be rushing out to go see and I'm sure Lee will be revered by many. Asked about whether this was a film which sat nicely in his legacy, he gave a sly smile and suggested people don't write his epitaph just yet...
It went above and beyond in entertainment and politics and this joint left me very high, we hope Spike Lee can make movies like this for many, many more years!