Black Cinema: Five Classics that are still a must see for black minds
The content of Black films, like the diaspora, are multifaceted and range in diversity. And as such, they are very much reflective of US.
One of the oldest traditions of Black people exists in our creative ways of telling and re-telling our stories. Whether that be: oral (as early as slave songs), visual (as in the iconic Gordon Parks or Carrie Mae Weems), art (such as the incredible Jacob Lawrence), song, poetry and so forth. And yet with the advances of modern times we’ve been able to improve, and at times, combine all these elements into one cinematic tapestry.
In 2019, we have the honor to say Black actors and actresses have finally crossed over into not just mainstream but into some of the highest earning and record breaking box office films of all time. And so in paying homage to that we must also remember the films of the past that told stories we must never forget.
Here’s my list of top-five (trust me it was hard to list just five) must see Black films along with clips of their most memorable moments!
1. Malcolm X
(1992) Denzel Washington’s depiction in this biopic of Malcolm X is lauded as one of his films ever, to this day. The film, directed by epic writer and director Spike Lee, depicts the life and death of the legendary civil rights leader. Co-starring (the Queen!) Angela Bassett as Dr. Betty Shabazz, this film is a must watch as it shows an in-depth look at one of our country’s greatest minds in the fight for Black rights. Denzel Washington was exemplary in playing Malcolm X and his resemblance is uncanny. This film resurrects and forces us to remember the trials from which we came as a people and pays due homage to a man who helped dismantle those injustices as they were.
2. The Color Purple
(1985) This film adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning 1982 novel by Alice Walker. The film, directed by Steven Spielberg, follows the life of a southern black woman, Celie (Whoopi Goldberg) living in brutal servitude in the early 1900’s. She experiences severe domestic violence at the hands of her husband Albert (Danny Glover) who is sharecropper in rural Georgia. Celie finds solace in writing letters to her sister Nettie who was separated from her after being sexually assaulted by Albert. She finds friendship and companionship in her fiesty friend Although painful to watch this film highlights the importance of black sisterhood, determination and feminism at the turn of the century, when being black and woman worked against you in unimaginable ways.
3. Ray
(2004) This Oscar and Golden Globe-winning film starring Jamie Foxx (it’s also scary how well he played this role) chronicles the life and success of rhythm and blues musician, singer, composer and songwriter Ray Charles aka “Brother Ray”. Widely renowned as one of the most recognizable voices in music, Ray Charles’ (who went blind at age 7) life is a great reflection on the racial climate and historical progress from the 1930’s through the time of his death in 2004. Historically, Charles is credited for pioneering the soul music genre in the 1950’s and 60’s and was often called “The Genius” and one of the greatest musicians of all time by his musical peers, such as Frank Sinatra and Billy Joel. Charles made history during his career as in the 1960’s he fused country music, R&B and pop which garnered him record commercial success. Many of our most successful and legendary musicians who followed Charles’ career note him as being a major influence, including: Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Elvis Presley.
4. Hotel Rwanda
(2004) This film, which is based on true events, stars Don Cheadle and Sophie Okonedo as husband and wife hotelier’s who attempt to save thousands of lives during the deadly Rwandan genocide of 1994. This film is hard to watch but depicts the reality of the genocide that occurred between the Tutsi and Hutu people at the hands of Hutu extremists, as well as the political corruption that allowed it to happen. Paul Rusesabagina (Cheadle) and his wife Tatiana (Okonedo) struggle especially to keep their family safe as Paul is Hutu and “Tati” is Tutsi. The genocide proved to be extremely deadly and violent following the assassination of the country’s President and despite the interference of the UN and Red Cross. Hotel Rwanda is a tale of holding onto bravery and humanity against all odds.
5. Ali
(2001) Will Smith exceeded all expectations with his portrayol of boxing legend and activist Muhammad Ali. The film only depicts ten year’s in the boxer’s life but captures key career and historic moments such as his conversion to Islam, the changing of his name (from Cassius Clay Jr.) his defeat by Sonny Liston (which costs him his heavyweight title), his outspoken views against the Vietnam war and his eventual reclaiming of his title from George Foreman in the famous “Rumble in the Jungle” fight in 1974. Through Ali’s eyes we get to see the social and political uproar that occurred following the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Ali’s friend, Malcolm X. Muhammad Ali went on to become one the most well-known and influential Americans of all time but every great story begins somewhere and Will Smith depicted that inception beautifully.
In retrospect, this list is just barely scratching the surface of must-see black films right?
I would be remiss not to mention more of the iconic films that have shaped and in many ways become the foundation for the films we have today. So in that spirit, look out d for more black cinematic excellence as part two soon come!
