“The Birth of A Nation” tells the true story of Nat Turner, a literate slave and preacher who after witnessing the atrocities his people were experiencing, he orchestrated an uprising, in the South, in the hopes of getting freedom for his people.
This is a very tough watch but an important one. Nat Turner was a name that the leaders of the time hoped future generations would never hear of. It is important for us to know that name, the man behind the name and the barbarities he represents.
I felt physically sick watching this film. The thought that people could treat a fellow human being the way the slaves were treated is unfathomable. I also felt physically sick because while it is unfathomable, the frightening thing is that it is still happening today!
This film doesn’t hold back. There are some very graphic and upsetting scenes, but these are in no way gratuitous. The performances that writer, director and star Nate Parker, elicits from his cast are outstanding. If Aja Naomi King is not Oscar nominated for her portrayal of Cherry, the Academy is not learning from it’s own recent past.
It is not a spoiler to say that there is no happy ending here. This film leaves you feeling so angry. But maybe that is what we should be feeling – anger. Anger and determination. In this world that has us questioning what is happening to humanity, we must be angry that this could and did happen; and be determined to stop this happening all over again.
“The Birth of A Nation” is not entertainment. If you go to the cinema for escapism, this isn’t the film for it. However, cinema is not just to entertain, it is also to inform. These stories need to be told. We cannot forget our sometimes horrific history or we continue to have the same atrocities.
Hi,
I’m Sarina Bellissimo and this is the place I come to indulge in my love of all things entertainment. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t fascinated by all things Hollywood/showbiz. I blame my parents!
As a child my mum used to force me to watch old Elvis Presley films with her, and both my mum & dad would take my brothers and I to the Drive-In to watch the latest films (this is where my love for ROCKY began!). When not watching movies, I was trying to figure out ways to pull the back off the TV so I could somehow get into it and be a part of all the action on the screen!
This blog isn’t a place that revels in gossip and negativity. It’s a place where entertainment is celebrated. That said, this is a place you can turn to for honesty. Honesty and criticism don’t always mean attacks. I choose to criticise the piece of work but not the person and I acknowledge that just because I don’t like something, it doesn’t mean someone else won’t.
Here you’ll find interviews with some of the biggest names in the world of Entertainment, reviews, breaking news and my very own musings.
Away from The Bellissimo Files, you can find me on Spin 1038 on Saturdays, between 1pm and 3pm,presenting Plan B. There’s celebrity interviews, entertainment news, the low down on the must see movies and music releases of the week, the ultimate guide to what’s on where in the city, as well as masterclasses with experts on standby to answer listeners’ questions.
I also appear on TV3’s “Elaine” panel, talk movies on “Ireland AM” and you can sometimes hear me filling in on Moncrieff’s “Movies and Booze “(Newstalk)
The Bellissimo Files is constantly evolving. Files (topics) will be added or deleted as time goes on. Feel free to read, watch, comment, share, and make suggestions for what you would like to see on the site.
Sarina
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