Review: BlackkKlansman

“Funny and entertaining, yet extremely potent and reminder that times may have changed, but they haven’t changed enough.”

BlackkKlansman is a based on a true story film by Spike Lee. Lee is not known for subtlety in his movies, but he balances his work very well throughout this film, keeping it on edge, but still easy to watch, with humour used carefully throughout to break up the heavier aspects of the film. Laughing at some of these events in this film though, no matter how funny they were, isn’t necessarily easy.

The story of Ron Stallworth isn’t a well-known one, but the film presents at an entertaining version (if not accurate version) of what went down, when Stallworth, the first African American police officer in the Colorado Springs Police Department during the 1970s, managed to infiltrate the KKK with the help of a group of other officers.

John David Washington, son of Denzel, plays Stallworth and is very restrained in his portrayal, always giving the impression that there is underlying frustration and anger being held together by a cool head and belief that he could make a difference from within. Washington is fantastic in the role, controlled throughout and looks set for a fantastic career in the footsteps of his father.

Adam Driver is very good as well, having a number of tense scenes as he poses as a new Klan member and trying to deny that he is Jewish at all times.

Topher Grace has a small role as David Duke, which works perfectly, especially when you see footage of the real David Duke at the end of the film. It was the first role I’ve seen Grace in which I enjoyed his performance.

Laura Harrier plays Patrice, the president of the Black Student Union who is very active in the civil rights movement. Her performance is powerful, providing a strong female character presence often lacking in films depicting battles between police and the KKK. Patrice is the polar opposite of Connie (Ashlie Atkinson), who doesn’t think for herself and is reliant on her man, despite his serious shortcomings. Patrice is reliant on no one and their paths will eventually cross as Patrice’s outspokenness will make her a target for the lesser minded.

The film has a number of interesting artistic choices, such as the discussions around Blaxploitation movies, including the movie posters appearing on the screen, juxtaposed with the Klan members watching scenes from The Birth of a Nation.

The choice of showing the KKK’s use of the term/slogan ‘America First’ is a good one to start getting the audience to start linking the events on screen to current day events in Donald Trump’s America. Rather than a history piece, showing ‘what used to happen’ this film doesn’t let the audience forget that whilst progress has been made, there are many problems still prevalent, and only more so since the rise of Trump, which has given many on the far right the freedom to come out of the shadows. The film ends with very graphic and real footage of the Charlottesville ‘Unite the Right’ rally and the events that transpired. If that footage alone isn’t enough to disgust you, Lee then uses footage of Trump calling the perpetrators ‘very fine people’.

I really hope more people see this film. It's only showing three times a day at our cinema, having only just come out, and we were two of six people watching (although it was 10am on a Sunday). Try to catch it at the cinema, as its worth the trip to see it on the big screen.

The five bearded questions:

1. Was it worth a cinema trip? Yes.

2. Would I See It Again at the Cinema? Yes.

3. Would I buy it on Blu-ray: (only films I really love get bought these days) No 4. Do I Recommend people see it? Yes!

5. Any cheese/ Disney style bullshit?: (such as jokes wedged in at serious moments, because fun!). No.