Review of A Time for Burning (1967) by Ty H — 09 Jun 2009

Wow. completely engrossing and riveting. as close to cinema verite as possible. it's people sitting down and discussing and debating the issue at hand. it doesn't feel set up or fake, but instead it's the filming of the discussions in living rooms and amongst church pews with peers. as well as the discussions between church leaders and staunch opponents and staunch supporters.

Then there are the discussions between church-goers who feel the weight of what is right, but also feel the weight of the cultural norm. it's heartbreaking to watch one man, in particular. you see the pain in his eyes and you see the urgent knowledge in his grimace. and you see the confusion and desparation when he admits that he's terrified and he realizes that there isn't a whole lot he can do. another man wisely explains to him that he's only just now realized the urgency of the matter. and that the others in the congregation have yet to come to the conclusion. if ever they will.

Most people see and celebrate epic, valiant struggles in the civil rights movement and in the issue of black/white integration - and rightly so, but watch this movie and see one of many micro-battles. it should give you some insight and understanding into the humanity of the whole thing.

It was exciting to see such wisdom from some of the church leaders. it was a mini-testament that the gospel and the truth of jesus' teachings and the church - as they should be - are truly changeless despite the time frame.