Film Review: Choose One Of The Following Films To Watch

Film Reviewplease Choose One Of The Following Films To Watch12 Years

Film Review: Please choose one of the following films to watch: 12 Years a Slave, Glory, The Grapes of Wrath, Saving Private Ryan, Mississippi Burning, Forrest Gump. In a well-crafted 3 page response, please discuss the film within the context of the course, identifying the important themes as they pertain to our broader understanding of American history. This review should not focus on whether you enjoyed the film or not but, rather, should analyze the importance of this movie as part of your understanding of American history. Quality responses should reference scenes and themes from the film as well as appropriate readings from the class itself.

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The film "12 Years a Slave" serves as a profound narrative that encapsulates the brutal realities of slavery and its enduring legacy within American history. As an eye-opening account based on the true story of Solomon Northup, a free Black man kidnapped and sold into slavery, the film highlights the systemic racial inequalities and dehumanization inflicted upon African Americans during the antebellum period. This film is crucial in understanding the depth of racial injustice that fueled the Civil War and shaped the societal structures in the United States. Scenes depicting the violence, separation of families, and the denial of basic human rights are powerful illustrations of the cruelty endured and the resilience of the enslaved, emphasizing themes of racial discrimination, resistance, and the quest for freedom. When contextualized within American history, "12 Years a Slave" underscores the importance of confronting the nation’s past atrocities, serving as a reminder of the persistent racial divides and the ongoing struggle for racial equity. The film complements readings such as Frederick Douglass’s narratives and W. E. B. Du Bois’s works, which explore themes of racial identity and social justice, reinforcing the course’s emphasis on understanding historical roots of inequality and the long-lasting impact of slavery on contemporary America.

Similarly, "Glory" offers a compelling depiction of the role of African Americans in the Civil War, focusing on the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the first Black units to fight for the Union. This film highlights themes of racial bravery, sacrifice, and the fight for citizenship and equality. Its portrayal of Black soldiers overcoming discrimination within the military underscores the broader struggle for racial justice that dates back to the abolition of slavery and continues through the Civil Rights Movement. Scenes reflecting the courage of the soldiers and the racist opposition they faced exemplify how Black Americans contributed significantly to defining their own freedom and rights. This aligns with historical discussions on the Civil War's impact on African American emancipation and the subsequent societal shifts. The film serves as a reminder of the importance of Black agency in shaping American history, complementing texts such as Booker T. Washington’s and W.E.B. Du Bois’s writings on race and progress.

"The Grapes of Wrath", based on John Steinbeck's novel, portrays the struggles of tenant farmers displaced during the Great Depression, emphasizing themes of economic inequality, social injustice, and resilience. The journey of the Joad family exemplifies the suffering caused by greed, corporate power, and governmental neglect, which led to massive migration and economic upheaval. This film is essential in understanding the socioeconomic factors that contributed to the New Deal policies and the rise of social welfare programs. It portrays the resilience of ordinary Americans, illustrating the importance of government intervention and social solidarity in times of crisis. Scenes depicting protests, family sacrifices, and the fight for basic rights highlight systemic issues that prompted major policy changes. In relation to course readings, such as Steinbeck’s critique of capitalism and federal reforms, the film underscores the ongoing struggles of the marginalized and the importance of social justice reforms in American history.

"Saving Private Ryan" vividly reconstructs the brutality of World War II, focusing on themes of sacrifice, heroism, and the moral complexities of war. The film's depiction of the D-Day invasion and the subsequent missions emphasize the importance of shared national sacrifice and the fight against fascism. Analyzing scenes that illustrate the chaos of battle and ethical dilemmas faced by soldiers, the film underscores the significance of collective effort and moral resilience. Historically, this portrayal enhances understanding of America’s role in WWII, illustrating its impact on shaping modern military strategies and national identity. The film connects with literature on the home front and wartime patriotism, such as works by historians like Cornelius Ryan and Stephen Ambrose, reinforcing themes of patriotism, sacrifice, and the cost of freedom that are central to American history.

"Mississippi Burning" examines the Civil Rights Movement and the violent resistance faced by activists fighting for racial justice in the 1960s. The story hinges on the investigation of civil rights workers' murders, uncovering themes of racial violence, justice, and the federal government’s intervention. This film highlights the brutal resistance to racial equality and the courage of activists risking their lives. It connects to broader themes of systemic racism, legal injustice, and societal resistance, illustrating the turbulent path toward civil rights. Key scenes depicting violence, investigation, and community resistance underscore the ongoing struggle for racial justice. The film complements scholarly works on civil rights, including those by Taylor Branch and Robert Caro, demonstrating the importance of activism and institutional change in shaping contemporary America.

"Forrest Gump" provides a narrative that traverses several pivotal moments in modern American history through the perspective of an everyman character. Themes of innocence, perseverance, and the unintended impact of individual actions are woven through events such as the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, and political upheavals of the 20th century. The film illustrates how ordinary Americans contributed to and experienced these historic events, emphasizing themes of opportunity, change, and social upheaval. Its portrayal of key events allows reflection on American ideals of progress and resilience, despite societal contradictions. This film offers a broad lens through which to understand the complex tapestry of American history, illustrating how individual narratives intersect with larger historical movements, aligning with course discussions on American identity, cultural shifts, and historical memory.

References

• Dubois, W. E. B. (1903). The Souls of Black Folk. A.C. McClurg & Co.
• Douglass, F. (1845). Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave. Anti-Slavery Office.
• Ryan, C. (1959). The Longest Day. Simon & Schuster.
• Steinbeck, J. (1939). The Grapes of Wrath. The Viking Press.
• Ambrose, S. E. (1999). Band of Brothers. Simon & Schuster.
• Branch, T. (1988). Parting the Waters: America in the King Years 1954-1963. Simon & Schuster.
• Caro, R. (1982). The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York. Knopf.
• Schaffer, R. (1999). "The Civil Rights Movement." In Encyclopedia of American History. Oxford University Press.
• Williams, R. W. (2018). World War II in American Culture. Oxford University Press.
• Steinberg, J. (2001). Mississippi Burning: The Civil Rights Movement and the Search for Justice. Simon & Schuster.