The Birth Of A Nation's message resonates in a politically toxic 2016

The Birth Of A Nation, the controversial new film from writer/director/star Nate Parker opened last weekend to a resounding box office thud.  While fresh on Rotten Tomatoes (77% fresh as of this writing), it hasn't received the predicted universal praise from critics that many thought after it soared at Sundance (and received the largest offer for a film in the history of the festival).  The resurfacing of rape allegations against Parker that came to the forefront a few months ago have certainly cast a long shadow over the film's release, and almost certainly had a part to do with the tepid box office returns.  Controversy aside, Nation is also a tough film to swallow and was released at a time when people, perhaps, want a getaway from the toxic political climate the nation is currently facing.  I went into the film wanting to separate the art from the real life story, and I can tell you that this is a powerful film that speaks volumes about where we are as a nation by looking to the past.

The Birth Of A Nation tells the "Based On A True Story" tale of Nat Turner, who led the largest (and bloodiest) slave rebellion in the history of the United States.  The film introduces us to Turner at a young age, where he learns to read and become a preacher.  As Turner grows up (and returns to the field), we learn that the slave masters use his religion to further enslave Turner's people.  The most effective scenes of this film happen as we follow Turner and his master (played excellently by Armie Hammer) go from plantation to plantation to spread the word of God to the slaves.  However, we soon find out that the slave masters only want to twist the words of the Bible as a way to preach black subservience.  Fears of insurrection are rising throughout the South and these deplorable slave owners are using any means necessary to keep their workers in line.

The horrors Turner witnesses during these visits push him to his own breaking point.  He begins to view the Bible with fresh eyes.  He finds comfort and salvation in his religion, and uses the Bible's message as a means to justify the attacks.  This is an interesting dichotomy in which both sides of the coin use the same religion to justify their actions.  This draws an interesting parallel to modern times, where the same thing is still happening.

Despite being billed as the story of Turner's rebellion, the actual rebellion doesn't happen until the final 20 minutes of the film.  I, for one, appreciated the slow burn approach to this story.  As the story progresses, you can feel the tension building to its snapping point.  Nation wisely strays away from the tendency to focus on the action instead of the people.  By telling the story this way, we as an audience, can feel Turner's pain.  We are there with him as he leads his fellow slaves into revolt.  There are many violent moments, for sure.  However, it's not a violent film.  At its core, this is a film about hope, about decency, and about the depths people will go to obtain freedom.

The Birth Of A Nation is an important film whose message is as important today as it was 200+ years ago.  It speaks to us about how we must never forget America's greatest sin, or let our country succumb to its darkest desires..  It shows us why it's important to fight for what's right. It shows us that any religion can be corrupted to the desires of the wicked.  And, most importantly, it shows us why it's important to say that Black Lives Matter.  There's an especially poignant moment where Turner laments that his brethren are killed "for no reason at all but being black."  This line, above all else, has stayed with me since walking out of the theater.

I'm giving this film 3 out of 4 stars.  It's not quite the home run that early buzz led me to think it would be, but it's still a must see.  Parker is a talented director, but he often indulged in over the top symbolism that I felt detracted from the film.  I would definitely see it in the theater if you can.  Though, judging by its box office returns, I fear this will be a footnote in the 2016 Oscar race.