Review of The Birth of a Nation (2016) by Tim M — 17 Jan 2017

Ok this is interesting: 'The Birth of a Nation' chronicles the slave uprising of Nat Turner in the south in 1831. While it's based on a true story Nate Parker uses a false rape as the reason for the uprising. No big deal, right? Wrong. Parker and his co-writer were accused of rape and his partner in the movie was convicted. What's worse is the victim committed suicide. The movie has many issues, but none bigger than the star who produced, wrote, directed, and portrayed the lead. I'm disturbed on many levels. The author's self indulgence of painting himself as the victim may show just the hubris of his character. He may be a talent but he also could be deranged. His choices at best are questionable and at worst deplorable.

The movie is nothing special. The time frame changes without explanation and we know certain characters purposes too early. If you take the movie for what it is it's about a 6 out of 10.... Why this is getting an Oscar push is anyone's guess.