Films & Television Shows as a Form of Revolution

The revolution for social justice has historically centered on art in all its manifestations, from punk music, to street art in New York City subway stations. It’s through amalgamations of words and colors, that individuals throughout history have made their voices heard.

 In a prior essay, I argued that we find ourselves in the midst of a new movement within art and media, and the importance of actively defining what we want our generation’s legacy of cinema to be. I discussed the influence of films and filmmakers, in shaping the opinions and interactions of audiences, and thus the responsibility of filmmakers to consistently ask; “What do they want their work to be remembered for?”

 In this essay, I’ll highlight five examples of films and television shows which I believe represent the true power and potential of cinema, in terms of the depth and poignancy of their social and political commentary: Blackkklansman, Watchmen, Boondocks, Dear White People, and The Get Down.

BlacKKKlansman (2018)

Set in the early 1970s, BlacKkKlansman follows police officers Ron Stallworth and Flip Zimmerman, as they infiltrate and expose a local branch of the Ku Klux Klan. In typical Spike Lee fashion, the film is grounded in relevance. In one of my favorite scenes, Stallworth tells another officer that, “a man like David Duke would never become president”, only to be criticized for his naivety. The film centers on the real world implications of white supremacy, specifically in institutions of power. The film gives a perfect reminder that we are all trapped in a cycle of racial injustice, and the only way to overcome it is to be willing to recognize the roles that we play in this system.

Watchmen (2019)

A science-fiction masterpiece, Watchmen explores a modern society reckoning with its devastating history of intolerance and violence. Almost a century after the Tulsa Race Massacre, detective Angela Abar works to stop budding white supremacist group known as the ‘Seventh Kavalry’, only to realize their are much more complicated forces at work. Watchmen prompts us to think critically about our countries’ pasts, and our collective mistakes, thus inviting us to reimagine what we want our legacies to become. Furthermore, the show reinvigorates classic genre archetypes with holistic and diverse representation.

The Boondocks (2005)

The Boondocks, regarded as a generational staple, follows the Freeman family and their experiences living in a predominantly white and wealthy suburb known as Woodcrest. The show beautifully explores a wide range of topics, (including government corruption and white fragility), through a unique, contemporary lens defined by a multiplicity of social identities and perspectives. The Boondocks is overarchingly defined by its (often controversial) rawness in approaching conversations about both everyday experiences and large-scale modern and historical events. 

Dear White People (2014)

Dear White People focuses on the manifestations of social dynamics and political issues, through the perspective of a group of black students at a fictional Ivy League college known as ‘Winchester University’. The film centers around Sam White, Troy Fairbanks, Coco Conners, and Lionel Higgins, who each carry a distinctive role, and cast a different outlook, on cultural life at Winchester. We are given a glimpse into the commonly dismissed tension which defines the experiences of marginalized individuals at predominantly white institutions. Dear White People offers an intimate and youthful voice to widespread problems, and that in itself gives this film immense character.

The Get Down (2016)

Set in 1970s New York City, The Get Down tells of the rise of the music genres hip-hop and disco, and their impact on the lives of a group of teenagers living in the Bronx. This show is a perfect testament to the power of art in combating injustice, as characters Zeke, Mylene, Shaolin, and their friends, must overcome poverty, gentrification, and gang violence - yet they find power in their music. As is the case in many of Baz Luhrman’s works, this show elegantly incorporates the best facets of a variety of different genres, and the result is a truly one-of-a-kind cinematic work. It is Luhrman’s skillful artistry which allows The Get Down to masterfully depict the triumphs and tribulations of a group of young people as they dismantle a world they weren’t meant to succeed in.

These films and television shows each present a distinct perspective on prominent contemporary social issues, including colorism, gentrification, and political corruption. They approach these issues with distinctive artistic styles and raw, honest perspectives. The true beauty of these works of art lies in their authenticity, because as we approach conversations about the issues which plague our countries, it’s important to do so with humanity, and these films and television shows do exactly that.