Review of Selma (2014) by Kenneth B — 23 Feb 2015

One thing I will say about films about civil rights and similar topics is that they should elicit strong emotions. The fact that I came out of Selma feeling quite angry is testament to the power of the way the film was made.

Last year The Butler and Mandela were relatively light portrayals of recent black history and they didn't do their subjects any real justice. Selma emphasises the wrongs that occurred in America only a few generations ago and by concentrating on specific events it amplifies the emotional response.

David Oyelowo is surprisingly nuanced as King, it is a powerful performance that is big when it needs to be but for the most part it is understated. It should have received awards recognition, there are no two ways about it (just what was Oscar smoking this year?).