13th (2016)
The story of how after the Civil War whites used a clause in the 13th Amendment to transform slaves into criminals, a legacy that we are still fighting.
I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO (2016)
Raoul Peck uses an unpublished James Baldwin work as his guide & script, enriched by archival clips & interviews, to expose racism in the US.
Amend: The Fight for America (2021)
Will Smith, using graphics & actors, hosts this survey of the long struggle for Blacks to become full citizens, centering on the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution.
Time (2020)
A documentary about a Black wife raising 6 children & running her business while working long hours to get the 60-year sentence of her imprisoned husband reduced.
ALL IN: the Fight for Democracy (2020)
The story of voting & voter suppression is told, with Stacey Abram’s loss in the rigged 2018 election in Georgia as the primary example–and warning for the 2020 national election.
When They See Us (2019)
It’s a terrific miniseries. Click the title to read my entire review.
POPE FRANCIS: A MAN OF HIS WORD (2018)
This Wim Wenders film with Pope Francis is wonderful. 5 stars. Click the image to read my review.
Get Out (2017)
When Rose takes black boyfriend Chris to meet her white parents, she tells him not to worry, but he soon is in more danger than if he’d gone to a KKK rally.
I am Not Your Negro (2016)
James Baldwin’s voice is as prophetic today as ever. Click the image to read my entire review.
November 2016 Journal
The November 2016 issue of Visual Parables features reviews on Hacksaw Ridge, Queen of Katwe, Birth of a Nation, 13th, The People vs. Fritz Bauer, American Money, Denial, Max Rose, The Accountant, Middle School: Worst Years, Miss Hokusai, The Dressmaker, and more.