Movie Review: “EMANCIPATION (2022)”.
Backstory:
I’d always wanted to review this movie, seeing that it touches sensitive areas such as slavery, survival and manhood. By extension it got me thinking if there were any rites of passage in modern times that leads boys into being men. Are there any? 🤔 Please let me know.
Let’s dive in…🚀🚀🌊
Plot
The movie plot is loosely based on the true story of "Whipped Peter," a slave who escaped after enduring intense beatings that left him with severe scars. He trekked 80 miles through the Louisiana swamps in ten days to reach the Union army. Upon arrival, he received medical treatment, and photographs of his scarred back were taken, making his story a powerful symbol in the fight against slavery.
Peter, played by Will Smith, later joined the Native Guard and fought alongside other former slaves against a slave trader; Captain John Lyons troops, to secure their freedom and reunite with their families.
The supporting cast includes Charmaine Bingwa (Peter’s wife), Gilbert Owuor (Gordon), and Ben Foster (Jim Fassel).
Emancipation is a story of freedom, showcasing one man’s escape from bondage through sheer determination and perseverance.
While an adaptation, the movie incorporates elements of an action film, with Will Smith’s character facing numerous challenges, including fighting an alligator, climbing a tall tree for honey, and navigating dangerous encounters with his former slave master, Jim Fassel. However, some scenes may come across as unrealistic and excessively violent, potentially perpetuating harmful stereotypes for Black audiences and self-congratulatory narratives for white audiences.
Generally, EMANCIPATION is a highly entertaining and engaging movie, filled with tension and many lessons for oppressed people around the world.
This past, the negro’s past, of rope, fire, torture… death and humiliation; fear by day and night, fear as deep as the marrow of the bone… this past, this endless struggle to achieve and confirm a human identity… yet contains, for all its horror, something very beautiful... People who cannot suffer can never grow up, can never discover who they are… —James Baldwin
Lessons from the movie: Emancipation
✓ Fatherhood: Peter’s strength in the face of despair inspired his family to stay strong, even when he was away. This is a stark contrast to the current state of the black community, where we see high rates of absent fathers and prison offenders. Where did we go wrong?
✓ Family: African families were once close-knit and united. Peter's family exemplified this strong love and connection.
The family unit is the most important foundation. If parents are absent or fail, the entire family suffers. A strong family foundation gives children a head start in life.
✓ The movie teaches lessons on boldness, courage, and strength in the face of adversity and oppression.
It indirectly highlights the struggles of the black community in America, from slavery to fighting for their rights and freedom. Tough times produce strong people.
The film also touches on rebellion and disobedience as means to gain freedom from oppressors. Even in today’s world, we face enemies, dictators, and bullies who seek to exert power over us. Where do you stand in this power struggle?
This raises the question: Are Africans worldwide truly free, or are we still trapped in modern slavery? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
PS: I got to watch this movie on Father’s Day (June 16), so a happy Father’s Day to all Father’s around the world💐. Thank you for being strong!
I also dedicate this review to the black community in America and other countries where Africans were once slaves. Happy Juneteenth in advance (June 19)!
