Review: Selma

On Monday, January 26th I attended the screening of the movie, Selma at CineBistro at the Peninsula Town Center. This historical drama depicts the marches across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama during the 1960’s when African-Americans where demanding for their right to vote. In my opinion Selma was an outstanding movie that brought me to tears, but also made me laugh and feel for the pain that Americans, Black and White went through at that time.

Since this was a historical film the actors and actress portrayed real people such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, President Lyndon B. Johnson, Congressman Lewis and many others. British African-American actor David Oyelowo took on the lead role as Dr. King. Oyelowo did a good job portraying the man than many people have admired and idolize for years. The script and Oyelowo’s acting showed the many layers of Dr. King that most Americans have not seen. We were able to see the father, the husband, the friend, the preacher and the businessman. This movie showed how King was not a perfect man, but loved his family and the cause he was fighting for.

This film was directed by Ava DuVernay, an African-American woman. Although Selma has been nominated for many awards this award season, it was only nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture. I do feel that Oyelowo should have been nominated for best actor in a drama for his portrayal of King. I also felt that DuVernay should been nominated for Best Director. I think it is appalling that Selma was not recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture with other nominations.

There were many scenes in this movie that brought me to tears. Watching protesters get beat up by police officers with sticks, and punched in the face was a horrific site to see. I wondered how this type of cruelty could happen to Americans; yet this happened to people just 50 years ago. Leaving the theater I took a look at myself and the life I’m living.

I recommend the film, Selma to older teens and adults. This movie is not suitable to children due to the large amount of violence in this film. I hope that this movie starts a conversation in homes all across the country about the Civil Rights Movement because we cannot forget about the people who sacrificed their lives so we can be here.

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