___
|
|
New Century of Cinema
DOWSE Guide to the
Movies
by Tony Lee editor of
Pigasus
Press
Freedom Song
Director: Phil Alden Robinson
112 minutes (12) Warner
review by Rob Marshall
To criticise this fictionalised tale of the black civil rights movement in America's
south would seem churlish. Freedom Song is well intentioned and doesn't shirk
from portraying the deeply ingrained racist attitudes of white authority figures, as
1950s' segregation sparks off 1960s' unrest. But, in part because it was made for TV,
this film lacks the raw cynicism and starkness of Alan Parker's Mississippi
Burning. Danny Glover (who also produces) is effectively sidelined here as the
proud father whose son joins a student-led campaign for coloured votes only to be
attacked and jailed. Vondie Curtis Hall is excellent as the pioneering organiser who
educates a town of youngsters, encouraging them into non-violent protest, and inspiring
even Glover's son (Vicellous Reon Shannon) to rebel against his father's suppression.
My problem with this film is not the material (there can be no doubt that such things
happened, far worse is likely, too) but nearly all blacks seen here are viewed as
devout and saintly in the face of appalling hatred and intimidation, which, knowing
human nature doesn't seem particularly authentic.
Back to Movies on Dowse index.
..........................................................................
Back to
main page
Archaeology
Architecture
Art
Autos
Books
Computing & Internet
Cryptozoology
Dowsing
Dreams
Education
Entertainment
Fantasy art
Fiction
Free Stuff
Games
Gardening
Geography
Geology
History
Landscapes
Movies
Music
Mysteries
Myths & Legends
Paranormal
People
Philosophy
Poetry
Religions/Beliefs
Science Fiction
Sciences
Security online
Shamans
Theatre
Travel
TV
Urban Legends Webmasters tools
Writing & Publishing
................................
dowse your start page