Review of The Butler (2013) by Warren K — 15 Jan 2014
Whitaker plays this role brilliantly and this story is brilliant because it shows how political oppression impacts a smaller family unit and how that family unit can carry on the views of parents to perpetuate external oppression or to break free from it.
The role of fathers and sons in this film is something that typically doesn't get attention in films that reflect on slavery or historical oppression - most of the focus revolves around the political governments/agendas who don't really have direct connection to the oppressed.
If you can see the cycle of suffering and liberation experienced within the family unit, this is the key brilliant feature (IMO) with this film. Where the film does a little injustice is with its very one dimensional and even biased recount of the Freedom Riders and the Black Panther Party - especially with the BPP - someone who knows little would walk away with a misguided overall view of what the BPP was really like - it wasn't as simple as "2 eyes for a tooth" movement.
Still worth the watch for many reasons.
This review of The Butler (2013) was written by Warren K on 15 Jan 2014.
The Butler has generally received positive reviews.
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