paul2001sw-1 The metaphorical march to justice is a slow one; but a significant step was taken on an actual march, from Selma to Montgomery in Alabama in 1965, when a public protest triggered action that finally allowed black Americans to vote, after many years in which they had been prevented from doing so. You could hardly go wrong in telling this story, a microcosm of the broader civil rights campaign: in this drama, you have many of the major figures in the wider battle: George Wallace, Malcolm X, Lyndon B. Johnson, and of course, the charismatic Martin Luther King, who naturally takes centre stage in this movie. He's quite well brought to life by David Olelowo, who certainly looks the part and acts it convincingly (though the film mostly elides his private life). Tom Wilkinson is slightly less successful as Johnson, a more generic politician than the larger-than-life figure who emerges from Robert Caro's biography. Even though the narrative is straightforward: a fierce and violent struggle, then the good guys win, there's still something very moving when the story reaches its conclusion. But in the age of 'Black Lives Matter' and the presidency of Donald Trump, maybe also shocking at how much still needs to be done.

sddavis63 David Oyelowo was brilliant as civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. That's a difficult role to play, because King is such an iconic figure to many, and especially because he is essentially a martyr for the cause, having been assassinated a couple of years after the events depicted in this film. But if Oyelowo was even remotely overwhelmed by playing King, he didn't show it. Instead, he captured King. His voice, his mannerisms, his passion. It was truly impressive - the best part of a movie that was generally very good, but at times a bit slow moving.But more than just featuring a great performance (Oyelowo should have been nominated for an Oscar, I might add) it's an important movie. In fact it's a sobering movie, because it's largely so accurate. It's sobering for me to realize that these events happened in my lifetime. This wasn't the distant past - this was the south of just 50 years ago where racism was a way of life and keeping blacks poor and disenfranchised - through the use of state sanctioned violence if necessary - was accepted political policy. The movie revolves around the struggle for black voting rights in Alabama. In theory, blacks had the right to vote, but in practice various methods were found to prevent them from registering. King and his associates take on the cause and try to organize a march from Selma to the state capital of Montgomery demanding voting rights for blacks - the first attempt at the march descending into sickening violence against the marchers by the authorities.In the course of showing the march being organized, there are a lot of points made. The political machinations are revealed and believable. Alabama Governor George Wallace was played by Tim Roth, and President Lyndon Johnson by Tom Wilkinson. Personally, I found Wilkinson difficult to accept as LBJ. To me he just didn't seem right in the part - but the movie makes the point that Johnson had to be pushed to propose the Voting Rights Act of 1965, when he would have preferred to do something less dramatic. The movie also isn't shy about hiding some of the divisions within the leadership of the civil rights movement itself. The movie also notes the prominent place of faith in the civil rights movement.It has a powerful beginning and ending - the beginning portraying the murder of four young black girls in the bombing of a church, and the movie closes with a gripping piece of music. I often don't bother with the closing credits of a movie, but I left them on to hear the song because I found it so moving.There were a few parts of this movie that failed to really capture me, and it did seem a little bit inconsistently paced. But it's an important movie portraying important events - and still quite relevant, given many of the concerns today about voter suppression laws which seem aimed largely at blacks, and recent incidents of police violence toward the African American community. (7/10)

The Couchpotatoes Selma was better then I expected I have to admit. When I saw it was a Harpo production I had my doubts but I was wrong. David Oyelowo did a good job portraying Dr. Martin Luther King in his fight for the civil rights every man should have, regarding his color, race or religion. It's a touching biography where I had a couple tears running down my cheeks at some point. It's a shame that some humans are such disgusting people, especially in the South of America at that time. It was not good being colored and living in the South in a not so distant past. To me Selma was interesting to watch even though I don't totally agree with non-violent protests. It's sad to say but without violence the high society, if you can call them like that, will always be stomping on your head. Dr. Martin Luther King was a great man, despise his stupid belief in a God. How you can believe in a God with all the injustices in the world is a thing I can not understand. Well, that's my point of view. Anyways, Selma is a good touching movie to watch.

Python Hyena Selma (2014): Dir: Ava DuVernay / Cast: David Oyelowe, Carmen Ejogo, Tom Wilkinson, Oprah Winfrey, Tim Roth: True story account of the historical march in Selma lead by Martin Luther King, Jr. Set in the mid 1960's when African Americans still struggled with racial crimes in the South. King is a pastor seeking help from President Lyndon B. Johnson to pass a bill that allows African Americans the right to vote. King riles the spirits around him yet his encouragement and leadership is met with brutality from locals and law enforcement armed with tear gas, guns and clubs. Director Ava DuVernay does a spectacular job at capturing the period including a bombing scene shot in slow motion. The march is riveting as King dares to face the opposition guarding the far end of the bridge. David Oyelowe gives a powerful performance as King who believes what he preaches and stands up for what is right but suffers much to change history. Tom Wilkinson plays off the frustration of President Johnson with a touch of amusement as he walks the line between pleasing King and the American people. Thankfully he proves that his power can indeed make for a better future. Carmen Ejogo plays King's supportive yet frustrated wife who wonder how much longer this can go on. Oprah Winfrey plays an elderly woman who has weathered the physical and emotional pains of racism yet still stands strong. Tim Roth plays Governor George Wallace who is strongly oppose to the bill being passed. The result is a powerful film flawed only with some forced stereotypes but prevails with the news that one man can lead a march over top of racism and hate crimes. Score: 9 / 10