Russell Hornsby provides Oscar Worthy performance in “The Hate U Give”
Over the weekend I decided to go check out the highly anticipated drama “The Hate U Give” accompanied by three of my younger cousins ages ranging from 14-17. The approach taken by George Tillman Jr and Audrey Wells( who passed shortly before the release of the film) to bring this film to life absolutely blew me away. This film touched on so many relevant topics beyond police relations within the black community that it managed to pull 14 year olds away from their devotion to Snap streaks for more than an hour (impressive, I know).
In a time of extreme racial and political polarization ‘The Hate U Give’ delivers an accurate portrayal of the effects America’s troubled history with race has had on communities all over the nation. The film makes it a point to showcase the distinct differences in how the issue of race plays out in certain communities. The story being told by a young teen provides an innocence that allows the characters to be impressionable and make mistakes, something that audiences both young and old can relate to.
In the midst of all the greatness that is this film, Russell Hornsby who plays the father of the films heroine ‘Starr Carter’ had a breakout performance. Hornsby plays Maverick Carter, a devoted father with a checkered past that continues to haunt him and his family. Hornsby opens the film by giving his three pre-adolescent children “the talk” a speech known all too well in the black community about how to interact with the police if you want to live.
Dealing with issues from interracial dating to breaking down the definition of the trap from his own personal experience, Hornsby delivers a feeling of pride in black fatherhood with passion and authenticity that was nothing short of the Oscar worthy stamp! Hornsby was accompanied by an incredible cast making his standout performance that much more impressive.
Lead actress Amandla Stenberg also delivers a powerful performance while addressing the issue of identity in a complexed world as a black teen. Stenberg who plays Starr Carter attends a predominately white private school and is faced with defining her identity when her two worlds collide after the shooting of her childhood friend.
If you’re looking for a film that will make you laugh, cry and clench your fist with suspense all while addressing how Americans of all races have found themselves complacent throughout some of our most inhumane times past and present I would definitely recommend “The Hate U Give”