Taking its title from Tupac Shakur’s Thug Life acronym, “The Hate U Give” shows the powerful and emotional reality of race and life in African-American communities.
Adapted from Andie Thomas’ award-winning book, “The Hate U Give” follows Starr Carter as she learns to balance between two worlds: her poor black neighboorhood and her preppy white school she attends. This uneasy balance is altered when she witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Feeling pressure from all sides of the community, Starr must find her voice and speak up for what is right.
This film deals frankly with racism. It addresses the tension between the police and the communities they serve and protect and powerfully addresses the treatment between African-American neighborhoods compared to white neighborhoods.
“The Hate U Give” explores complex themes like the Black Lives Matter Movement and standing up for what you believe in.
The story also largely explores the police brutality many face. Examples include violence, shooting an unarmed teen and tear gas deployed on a peaceful protest. This only demonstrates the harsh reality of violence many endure.
“The Hate U Give” deserves to be talked about. Like Director George Tillman Jr. says:
“this film is just the beginning. I hope this film will start a conversation and get people to talk. Stand up for yourself. You have something to say, believe in it.”
The treatment and violence of racism along with courage that comes with speaking your truth inspires many throughout this film. Racism is still prevalent in 2018 and needs to be confronted and talked about.
Though it clocks in at two hours, “The Hate U Give” has enough going on that it never drags. The film mixes humor in along with the tragedy. With roots tied to anger, the film still strives to find compromise and balance.
Story by: Cassidy Jasperson
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Photo by: imdb.com
