In the past year, we’ve had some amazing roles played by Black actors, and in honour of Black History Month, some of our readers have discussed their favourite films from the last year that have a Black lead. Although this is only very recent history, we hope that by spotlighting Black roles in various films – not just historical retellings – that you might be inclined to watch some of these characters represented, in the spirit of not just this month, but the whole year-round.
Judas and the Black Messiah
The true story of Fred Hampton, the Chicago Black Panther leader assassinated at 21, was an enthralling and gripping watch. This movie is less about the destination and more about the journey, as a biopic, and what a journey it was. Daniel Kaluuya was a charismatic force of power and leadership, encapsulating exactly who Hampton was as chairman of the Illinois chapter of the party. A character equally as interesting was William O’Neal (Lakeith Stanford), the titular Judas, who was turned by the FBI to get close to Hampton in order to take him out. The insight into O’Neal’s conflicted
motivations and treasonous character was as important as Hampton’s arc. I’ve been a
big fan of both actors for years and seeing them together was a joy.
The movie itself is a reminder of how long the Black community’s fight against the police has gone on for, and surprising parallels could be drawn between the political climate of today and of the 60s. The end credits give the audience more information about how the movement played out after the film’s ending in 1969, and where the characters are today – many of whom are still alive, and still fighting the cause. Representation of these stories will always be important, in order to educate the wider public and in order to give lesser represented communities people they can look up to. It’s much more important to have new takes on these stories told than to have the same re-hashed films played out year after year.
-Rahul Warrier
The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
South African-Swiss TV show host Trevor Noah, famously known for his Trump trolls and tales of South Africa, has kept me sane during the pandemic. His quick wit coupled with woke comedy never disappoints. Switching on the TV to watch The Daily Show where news is disseminated in a light-hearted, comedic manner as compared to the brutal scenes on news channels, especially during a time where I was not in the best headspace, helped
me understand what was going on around the world without feeling unsettled. It is also refreshing to see a man of colour hosting such a successful show, and his relatability makes it even more fulfilling to watch.
Trevor Noah even addressed a part of his identity and appearance that he didn’t know he was changing to fit in, in a talk with Arsenio Hall on the show. He said that after not being able to cut his hair during the pandemic, he realized how long it had been since he allowed
himself to grow it out, as he had unintentionally adopted the idea of what “professional” hair looks like. This was a statement against some Black hairstyles being viewed as “unruly”, and truly reflected the fact that fragments of internalized oppression still exist today.
-Miette Dsouza
Disney Pixar’s Soul
My film recommendation is Disney Pixar’s Soul, both for positive representation of black culture, and the encouraging main message of the movie.
Jazz is central to African-American culture, so a film that emulates the joy of music for generations of people in the US (and worldwide, actually) was on the must-watch list for a lot of us last year, and rightfully so.
Joe, voiced by Jamie Foxx, has dreams of making it as a famous musician, whilst being ‘stuck’ in his job as a school band teacher- not quite the level he wants to be at. When his life is cut short, he realises how much he let time pass him by, and is desperate for a second chance.
The film teaches its viewers, both young and old, that we should always give our dreams a real chance- anyone can make it, so why not you? It also shows us the importance of living for the moment and giving it everything we’ve got before it’s too late. -Jasmine Akalija
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
In a powerhouse performance, Viola Davis emulates ‘The mother of the Blues’. The Oscar-winning movie, originally a play written by August Wilson showcases a day in the life of Gertrude ‘Ma’ Rainey and her band in a recording studio. The day is a seemingly normal
one for all the Black people born in the 20th century and this normalcy of racism and social injustice in 1927 is exactly what the movie calls out through Ma and Levee’s (Chadwick Boseman) characters.
Ma went against every norm in the period she lived in as she was a bold, outspoken, LGBTQ woman of colour. She was aware of the racism all around her but demanded respect as she knew her worth. Her voice was her asset and her only leverage in what used to be a
white man’s world.
Chadwick Boseman as Ma’s band member and trumpeter, Levee also plays an important role as he represents Black youth, full of life, creativity and motivated to accomplish something. Only, he is stifled by social injustice which causes a continuous cycle of hatred, pain and exploitation.
Blues music is so culturally significant for all African Americans, and rarely do you ever hear about the people who popularized it. Hence, I would strongly recommend
this documentary and the 30 minute behind the scenes which gives you an insight
into the symbolism and history of the whole movie.
-Miette Dsouza