Review of The Birth of a Nation (2016) by Brad S — 18 Mar 2017

I was disappointed and surprised that I didn't like this film more. It is a powerful and interesting story but it didn't work for me. The first challenge was the controversy surrounding Nate Parker who directed and stars.

Parker was accused and acquitted of rape, and his roommate at the time and co-screenwriter of the film was convicted, but that was eventually overturned. The alleged rape victim eventually committed suicide.

It was hard not to consider this while watching the film so unfortunately I couldn't see it objectively. But, controversy aside, I did have issues with the film. Nate Parker wrote, produced, directed and starred in the piece, and at times it felt very much like a vanity piece.

Lots of close-ups and speeches that didn't feel natural to me. There was also a strong religious or preaching element to the story that felt awkward. In any case, this film just didn't work for me, but I encourage people to make up their own minds on it.