I wasn’t going to see The Hate U Give. It doesn’t have the hallmarks I am usually attracted to in a movie, especially one which tackles an issue. I usually prefer neuence, complexity. The Hate U Give from its young adult lit roots doesnt have the layering of Blindspotting or the irony of Sorry to Bother You. The Hate U Give is straight up sincerity. So when I did finally see it and it had the emotional impact it had, i was surprised, and schooled a bit.
The Hate U Give might be a bit “racism in American 101” but despite being basic it is powerful and hits all the important parts. It isn’t sloppy or lazy. It places racism right in your face and makes it impossible to look away. It simplifies things but perhaps that is necessary, since for so many the issue remains so difficult to grasp. The Hate U Give becomes a rallying cry that everyone needs to see.
And it is just a damn fine movie in its own right. A compelling story well crafted with a strong cast. Amanda Stenberg makes her star turn here showing us she is a force to be reckoned with. But the entire cast is strong making The Hate U Give a much better experience than it might have been.
I cried a number of times at The Hate U Give. It isn’t a manipulative crying movie. the power of the story just takes over. And in the end even if it was predictable, even if it was fairly straightforward, it was honest. And I got it.
The Hate U Give
Starring: Amanda Stenberg, Regina Hall, Russell Hornsby, KJ Apa, Algee Smith, Common, Anthony Mackie
Director: George Tillman Jr.
Writer: Audrey Wells
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