The Birth of a Nation (dir. Nate Parker) x VIFF 2016.

There’s no doubt the power and compelling nature of [Nat] Turner’s story. Parker, no matter how problematic a contemporary figure he has become, does a commendable job devoting years to making the film happen in such an efficient manner. However, it’s clear his limitations as a filmmaker in balancing characters, historical drama, and his artistic motivations together clunky fashion. This The Birth is a Nation remains a powerful, messy, and fascinating exercise in exploring race, slavery, and violence in a historical context.

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