Red, White and Blue

Although nothing unexpected happened, this film really bought it home to me how those working to change something from within have to suffer so much themselves - and what they achieve isn't acknowledged or appreciated until so much later.

Boyega embodies buried rage in this. Impeccably visualized and directed once again, as is signature for McQueen. The static shot with JB sitting in the locker room, occupying only a sliver of the right side of the frame, is one of the most suffocating shots I can remember seeing. I like the idea of the ending but I thought some plot threads needed either closure or acknowledgment in some way.

Quietly riveting chapter in the Small Axe series centres on two superb performances – Boyega as a heartbreakingly idealistic new recruit, and Toussaint as his proud, intractable father; McQueen deftly interweaves the racial conflict within the police with the contentious father-son dynamic, leading to a poignantly sad finale. Could have stood full feature length treatment, as there is a lot of material here to cover which feels a little rushed, but still the most satisfying chapter so far.

Boyega's amazing performance as a both tormented and dreamy brilliant young man who leaves science to bring change to police force -- facing a systemic racism that might take centuries to evolve, if it does. It also works beautifully as a father and son family drama and the complex relationships between them -- father was beaten up by police men in an absolutely racist approach and wants his day in court.

A strong portrayal of the small and big difficulties, prejudices and injustices that the main character has to face both professionally and privately.

Great performance by Boyega.

Viewed January 26, 2021.

This was not the one that should have felt safe, considering everything going on in the world. Red, White and Blue kind of talks about how the Police are too Toxic right now to fix? Kind of? It just doesn't go into enough detail, and its not like the 80 minute runtime helped, but it sure didn't use it all correctly. It teeters a line and ends without much say. John Boyega carries the film on his back by giving his best performance to date. Steve McQueen's directing is also excellent as usual