Selma (2014)

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Selma is a richly produced version of the build up to probably the most important civil rights event of the 60s, the Selma to Montgomery march. It is certainly a treasure of a film as it tells an extremely important story as untold before. It should be shown in classrooms across America for years to come.

The perfectly formed cohesive storyline begins from Martin Luther King Jr.'s Nobel Peace Prize acceptance, then moves into the major catalyst event of young girls dying in a church bombing. Every scene is thoughtfully and artistically shot to deliver the most poignant moments in a most effective manner. Some scenes are bolstered by official Washington transcripts typed across the screen adding a certain weight to the film.

A beautiful sombre score supports the underlying feelings of struggle and loss while director Ava DuVernay takes us on an emotional ride. What she shows us is overall a very depressing and utterly embarrassing time in American history, yet the ultimate triumph of the human spirit to prevail over injustice and discrimination brings a profound message of hope.

9/10