We flood the island with blue

Attending a funeral is never easy and especially not at a young age. The young Andre (Christian Isaiah) has to say goodbye to his father who was not only his inspiration but also a celebrated cop at the NYPD and who tragically died on duty. No better way to honour your father and his important legacy than stepping into his footstep and many years after the tragic events, Andre (Chadwick Boseman) is now wearing the NYPD uniform and badge immensely proud. While he already attended multiple crime scenes, none of them come even close to his latest one. Right after midnight, an (unexpected) drug bust ended up in a terrible shoot out. The result: Two killers on the loose, 50 kilograms of drugs missing and seven cops tragically killed.

Filled with anger, rage, and sadness, Andre starts his investigation. His plan: Completely locking down Manhattan, including the closure of the 21 bridges. He gets the best people for the job: Narcotics officer Frankie Burns (Sienna Miller) and Captain McKenna (J.K. Simmons) from the NYPD and his team. Their investigation takes them on a journey that involves death, destruction, dirty money, and drugs. The clock is literally ticking for Andre as Manhattan can only be on lockdown for a few hours. Will he able to catch the killers in the name of his fallen colleagues or will his passion, skills, and dedication won’t be enough this time?

Predictable characters, great cinematography

A young and devoted cop who lives for his job and who looks the devil into the eyes every day to keep his city protected. He would even give up his own life if necessary. It sounds familiar, right? Mostly because we’ve seen many films already regarding this topic but never one that’s made by Kirk.

The biggest reason why this film is a fascinating one is that 21 Bridges can count on the incredibly solid performance over the overall cast. A cast that’s lead by the remarkable Boseman (Black Panther, 24). He makes a “damn fine cop” and excels when it comes to both the physical and emotional aspects. While watching him, it feels like he certainly knows how to fire a gun and to perfectly execute a car chase. As a cop, you can’t let your emotions getting in the way of the investigation but of course, you’re also humans at the same time. Boseman portrays those emotions in a subtle but also big way.

Miller (American Woman, High-Rise) can definitely kick some ass and stand her ground in the world full of male cops as the strong-willed and fearless Frankie. Despite Miller’s character being the most predictable one, Miller can still captivate us throughout the entire movie. They get the wonderful support from Simmons (The Front Runner, Whiplash) who is in his usual fine form as the uncompromising. 21 Bridges would just have been much more captivating and refreshing if the characters got more depth as they fall a little bit flat.

While there’s nothing new under the sun in 21 Bridges, it’s still a highly entertaining movie. This is due to the thrilling, fast and grandiose shoot outs and car chases. Some might say that it’s all a little bit too much and overly dramatic but thanks to the splendid work of cinematographer Paul Cameron (The Commuter, Dead Man Down) this film will have you drawn to the screen every second of it.

Predictable but action-packed thriller

While the story is predictable and the characters are the usual clichés, 21 Bridges can certainly provide you with an exciting and electrifying time. The reasons? The explosive cinematography, the fast-pace and the spectacular performance of Boseman.

Rating: (4 / 5)

Also Read: Rebel Without A Pulse, Art Without A Soul

The post Review: 21 Bridges appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.

Set in early 1970’s Harlem, Tish (played by KiKi Layne), a nineteen-year-old girl, is in love with a young sculptor, Fonny (played by Stephan James), the father of her unborn child. When Fonny is falsely accused of rape and imprisoned, Tish and their families race to clear his name before the baby is born.

What is the price of love? And what is the cost of freedom? In what feels like insurmountable odds to overcome, these are questions asked of Tish & Fonny as they navigate through their blossoming relationship. Narrated by Tish, the film is a powerful introspective look at black love flourishing in a hostile environment.

Both Tish & Fonny’s families play a pivotal role as their support systems. And despite hardships faced by both families, at different points in the film, the lengths that they are willing to go to in order to a support Tish & Fonny make for some of the most heart warming moments in the film. Director, Barry Jenkins, does a great job in showcasing the strong familial bonds that exist within their respective families, and also the fraught relationship that Tish & Fonny’s families have for each other.

Facing racism

Whilst racism is an everyday reality faced by Tish & Fonny, director, Barry Jenkins highlights many of the nuanced ways this manifests – not simply through a corrupt legal system. We are given a front seat to see the racial dynamics at play in Tish’s job, through how her customers & colleagues interact with her and even though the couple’s frustration, due to the discrimination they face in finding a home.

However, we are also shown the allies that exist in other parts of their community. Each of these key moments where they are helped by other members of the community plays an important role in shaping how the story unfolds.

Although racism is something they experience, their characters are not simply defined by it. This is a testament to the care in how both lead characters have been crafted. Tish and Fonny have their own clear dreams and aspirations, and director Barry Jenkins has done a fantastic job in showing how their relationship matures over the course of the film.

Love conquers all?

It’s hard not to be emotionally invested in Tish & Fonny by the end of the film, you want them both to succeed – individually and as a couple. With lush cinematography and flawless storytelling If Beale Street Could Talk is incredible from start to finish. Although the ending of the film is bittersweet it is nonetheless a very powerful one. Visually, the film is stunning where it needs to be and yet suitably understated where it serves the interest of the story. Can love truly conquer all? You’ll have to watch the film to find out.

Rating: (5 / 5)

If Beale Street Could Talk is an amazing film which will shape African American cinema moving forward, but also serves as a powerful love story for all to enjoy.

If Beale Street Could Talk is out in cinemas now.

The post Review: If Beale Street Could Talk [Spoiler Free] appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.