Selma

An unfortunately relevant movie for the current time we live. This movie shows that non violence can be a force for change and put on more political pressure than reactionary violence. Is it an absolute travesty that Selma received so few Oscar nominations, including snubs for Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actress. The portrayal of Martin Luther King by David Oyelowo magnificently showed Martin Luther King as the magnificent hero we all know as well as the flawed hero that he was. Martin Luther King is currently held to an impossible standard of being the perfect non-violent leader following his convictions and never second guessing his actions. Selma brings Martin down off that high pedestal and makes him more of a tragic hero than ever. By showing that King had the same issues and self doubt as you and me, Selma shows that he was better than all of us by putting those things aside and fighting for his civil liberties. Through this humanization of MLK, director Ava DuVernay has made Martin more of a Christ like figure but not so that it is the focal point of the film. It is more of a side note, with the comparisons being so subtle that many may miss them. This comparison reminds us that he is human and also suffers from human sin. One of Martin Luther King's legacy’s biggest detractors is that he was unfaithful to his wife. The film faces it head on simply acknowledging that he is a man who makes mistakes and is not perfect. One of the most moving portions of the film is when Martin Luther King visits the grandfather of an African American young man who was murdered by police. The emotion he shows and the effect and the toll it takes on him, in this scene we can see that every African American death that he may have been the cause of he takes personally. It is only from comfort and support from his wife and supporters that he continues for his fight for black equality. This is a must see for the conscientious citizens. 4 out of 4 stars.