BlacKkKlansmen: A Must See Film

We are at a critical time where the things Black people, and other people of color, have been saying about injustice, racism, inequality, etc., are slowly but surely getting attention and credibility in the eyes of people who can easily ignore it. I don’t pay much attention to those people, but I must say that I love how films like Blackkklansman are unveiling the truth for all to see.

Spike Lee and executive producer Jordan Peele team up on a stellar film that will keep you talking and contemplating the systems that impact our lives. The film is poignant and culturally relevant. To me, it functioned as a creative essay that takes you through key moments/ideologies in history and has it all playing out simultaneously.

Once I stepped out of the theater, my writing-senses were tingling. I just had to jot down my thoughts. So if you haven’t seen the film, no worries, I won’t spoil any major plot points. I’m only writing about the impression of the film. BlacKkKlansman highlights the beauty of showcasing different perspectives, telling thoughtful and authentic narratives! The film lined up the early 1970s Black Power Movement and the activities of the Klan so well. What kept shocking me, like a zinger of a reminder was that this film is based on a true story! 

The cinematography and plot points allowed the viewers to see how the Black Power Movement wasn’t created in a vacuum. It was born out a true need to protect oneself. Whatever ‘extreme’ labels people can portray the Black Power Movement as the White Power terrorist practices and rhetoric were entirely different and more fitting the label ‘extreme’.

The Story: Speaking to Real Issues

Ron Stallworth made a lasting ripple-effect of good in his community by choosing to be a strong detective in a troubling time. Stallworth was the first Black detective in Colorado. The film ties together how he exposed the Klu Klux Klan with today’s actions of white supremacy.

I don’t care how much of Blackkklansman may have been dramatized, since ‘based on a true story’ can mean almost anything. No matter what, I could believe how absurd the process of infiltrating the ‘organization’ must have been for real-life Stallworth. It’s like what Trevor Noah mentions in his book Born A Crime: “Apartied, for all its power, had fatal flaws baked in, starting with the fact that it never made any sense. Racism is not logical.” I think the concept in this statement applies thoroughly to the heightened time of racial awareness of the 1970s.

The film is culturally relevant in content and in context, coming out on August 10th, the same time of the frightening and enraging Charlottesville rally that took place last year. When you watch the film, you will see just how intentional Spike Lee was in having the film released on that date.

From beginning to end, the film has such thoughtful moments.

The Characters

John David Washington did a phenomenal job as Ron Stallworth, he carried the movie all the way through. His character was consistent and self-assured. Adam Drivers played the role of Philip Zimmerman perfectly!

In the story, we see how Stallworth has to navigate who he is in the workplace and who he is in his personal life, with his love interest, Black Student Union President Patrice. To me, the film was like a continuation of Sorry to Bother You’s focus on the ‘white voice’. Seeing the practice of ‘code-switching’ in a realistic setting, added such context to that discussion which I think viewers can learn so much from.

Yet, BlacKkKlansman had an amazing pace and the characters had just enough development and engagement with each other — all this to say that film felt focused. As a viewer, we know Ron is the central character and his motivations were clear: expose the KKK. The relation between him and the other detective, Flip Zimmerman, was dynamic as well. The partnership made another commentary on the social politics of ‘passing’ and just who stands to benefit from ‘White privilege’

This is one of Spike Lee’s best movies, the character study here is subtle and powerful. Ron Stallworth learning about himself, what it means to be proud of his Blackness and how to filter his confidence and personal power into his mission as a detective was portrayed so well. The film balanced artistic flare and serious subject matter perfectly. It didn’t feel too heavy, there were still moments of levity throughout and parts where the story was truly being retrospective and thought-provoking. I encourage everyone to go out and see it!

#BlacKkKlansman #InfiltrateHate

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Best,

Kai 😀