Review of Fruitvale Station (2013) by Tom M — 04 Mar 2014

This movie is well done and is definitely emotionally affecting, but it's also manipulative. The film champions its representation of Oscar Grant as unbiased, showing a real man's flaws and virtues in the 24 hours prior to his tragic death.

However, his mistakes are only referenced, never shown. Instead all we see is a supremely virtuous man who is making major decision to get his life on the right track, coincidentally, on the day of this death.

It seems highly unlikely that he would pick this day of all days to turn his life around. Maybe I'm being too literal, and the film is supposed to be an amalgamation of his life choices condensed into one day.

.. but if that's the case, the film should not so obviously try to make the film seem like the actual events that occurred 24 hours prior to his death. Others have praised the film for not depicting Grant as a sinner or a saint, but I see only a saint here.

Regardless, the film does a great job of conveying the senselessness and tragedy of the incident. It's a concise story that's well told and wonderfully performed, particularly Octavia Spencer, who is the emotional core of this movie.

Her performance is understated but so powerful and moving, and Michael B. Jordan's layered performance as Grant is totally convincing. Though the injustice of the event is certainly evident, it's to the film's credit that its focus is on the loss felt by this man's family, friends, and community.

And the viewer feels it deeply too.