Tem Blessed

Django- “The D is silent.” What an amazing movie and experience. As an African-American, anytime I get to see a slave master get whipped by a slave I get a strong sense that justice has finally been achieved, even if it’s only in film form.  It was great to see true Art in the form of, a captivating story, hilarious dialogue and a genuine friendship between a former slave and a German bounty hunter, who detests slavery. It was intriguing and refreshing in the sense that it wasn’t one of those over done Hollywood black and white buddy movies. Dr. King Schultz, a dentist turned bounty hunter, played by Christoph Waltz, really wanted to empower, the self empowered runaway slave, Django, played by Jamie Foxx. There was a mentor/friendship relationship that was built on respect and purpose.  In an age where it was illegal for black slaves to be married, Django is on a mission to save his wife Broomhilda, played by Kerry Washington. In order to achieve these overwhelming odds against him, Django must use his intelligence, acting abilities, guidance from his new friend and gun slinging skills to achieve freedom for him and his wife.

The characters in the film were quite memorable from the super Uncle Tom character played by Samuel L. Jackson to the wicked plantation owner Calvin Candie, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. Both giving powerful sometimes comical Oscar worthy performances.

America and the world needs more movies like Django Unchained. Movies that tell a history that often times goes untold. A terrible time in American history but also a time of heroes and sheroes who fought on a personal and institutional level towards freedom and equality. Now more then ever main stream media needs stories that tell of personal risk and sacrifice towards achieving a common good.

Some have criticized the film for the use of the word nigger. To have a story set in the south two years before the Civil War and to not use the word would be an injustice to the authenticity of the ugly reality of that age and arguable even today. This 6 letter word optimizes the horror of lynching, Jim Crow, the terrorist organization know as the Klu Klux Klan and racism. I am thankful to the courage of writer and director Quinten Tarantino to take on this subject and to tell it in a dramatic and artistic manner. Bravo!

I give Django Unchained 5 Fists in the air! (5 Stars). A must see for fans of film maker Quinten Tarantino, American history enthusiasts and social justice advocates.