The Birth of a Nation (2016) | 100 Movies Bucket List

 

I'd heard of this movie before seeing it on the bucket list, and I could guess what it was about, but it wasn't high on my to-watch list.

So when I saw it on the list, I wasn't particularly looking forward to it. I don't love films with these themes, set in this and similar time periods - which doesn't mean that these films aren't good, I just personally don't choose to watch them unless I feel like I need to.

And of course, they're not made to be entertaining or enjoyable, they're made to tell necessary stories.

So it's hard to give a blanket statement about whether I 'liked' or 'disliked' the film.

But one thing I did like was seeing so many recognisable faces - especially those who have blown up or been in really popular projects since the film came out. To name a few, Colman Domingo, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Aja Naomi King, and Gabrielle Union.  Of these actors, I think only Union was widely known at this point, so it's really interesting to see the different turns all of their careers have taken - especially Domingo and Ellis-Taylor, who have gone on to receive Oscar nominations!

The film is very well written, and all of the actors do an amazing job with their characters.

And honestly, I don't have much more to say about this film. I can see why some would consider it a classic, and my feelings towards it are purely personal, but it's not something I ever really want to see again.

Which doesn't mean that it's not good, because objectively it's a 'good' film however you qualify that. It's just not for me, not something I would choose, and probably not something I'll rewatch.