The Birth of a Nation 2016

The Untold Story of Nat Turner

6.5 / 10   507 vote(s)
R
Drama

Nat Turner, a former slave in America, leads a liberation movement in 1831 to free African-Americans in Virginia that results in a violent retaliation from whites.

Homepage http://www.foxsearchlight.com/thebirthofanation/
Release Date 2016-09-09
Runtime 2h 0m
Directors Nate Parker, Elliot Davis, Tomas Deckaj, Mark C. Stevens
Producers Jason Michael Berman, Aaron L. Gilbert, Preston L. Holmes, Nate Parker, Kevin Turen, Michael Novogratz, Matthew Lindner, David S. Goyer, Michael Finley, Tony Parker, Jason Cloth, Andrew Pollack, Allan J. Stitt, Jane Oster Sinisi, Barb Lee, Carl H. Lindner III, Derrick Brooks, Jill Ahrens, Ryan Ahrens, Armin Tehrany, Edward Zwick, Mark Moran, John Raymonds, Brenda Gilbert, Steven Thibault, Lori Massini, Zak Tanjeloff, Harrison Kreiss, Ike Waldhaus, Ben Renzo
Writers Jean McGianni Celestin, Nate Parker, Nate Parker

Book and non-violence versus weapon and upraising.

The best thing about this film is the script that based on the real. Such films are really worth a watch, before that, worth to be made. But did it depicted accurately is what we don't know. So here the effort should be appreciated and everyone who involved in it. It was about the African-Americans during the early 19th century. The film focused on a boy who learnt to read and write became a preacher. He taught his community about all the good and bad. But it all comes into question when he realises that what he reads in the book is not the same in the real world. He has been in the path of non-violence all his life and now at the crossroad, he forced to take a weapon and fight back for the freedom.

An inspiring film. If it was well written and made, would have been an Oscar material. Though the actors were good and well shot in locations. Nate Parker was brilliant in the lead, as well his direction was not bad, particularly in his first attempt. Previously, he had done some fine roles, but this is his best appearance. Perfect length and pace to sit for it patiently looking for the next events in the narration. Had some too much violence in a few scenes, but those were very much needed. Despite the film telling a true story, it did not appeal enough due to the lack of proper improvement in narration. Which I blame for not availability of proper information and records. Surely one of the best among in the year, not one of the top films of the year. So it is a must see then.

7/10

Reno