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Red, White and Blue

Country: united_kingdom

Year: 2020

Running time: 80

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10551108/reference

Part of the Small Axe Amazon Prime series

Michael says: “Steve McQueen’s mid-point in his collection of films about the West African experience in London is the high point in terms of films in my eyes. RED, WHITE AND BLUE is based on a true story, that of Leroy Logan, a young man studying to become a forensic scientist in the early 80’s, who pivots toward his childhood dream of joining the police force after his father is brutally beaten by two officers for a parking violation. Logan seeks to affect change from within, and while the really Leroy Logan did in fact do this, spending 30 years on the force, RED, WHITE AND BLUE only hints at the possibilities and challenges Leroy will face: his origin story, so to speak Like MANGROVE, the film deals with mistreatment of blacks by the police in London, but it’s a much more intimate story, but no less power and conviction, mostly found tightly etched into its lead characters. As Leroy continues to achieve accolades and struggles against insurmountable racism to nudge the needle forward, despite feeling the brunt of his colleagues resentment, such as failing to provide back-up while he is trying to apprehend a felon, his father, Ken, remains distant and aloof, unable to get past the rage at his treatment at the police’s hands. Nothing is every fully resolved, although McQueen does allow us a moment of respite when Ken’s emotions are briefly revealed.

“While most will lean toward LOVERS ROCK as the beacon amongst these films, and as a film, it’s actually slightly better, RED, WHITE AND BLUE scores through the career-best (at least so far) performance by John Boyega (STAR WARS, EPISODES VII, VIII, and IX). The unwavering conviction despite outrageous treatment, even by those who admire him, is nuanced by the difficulty he faces each time he is shunned by his father. He is equally at home on the streets, trying to help a wayward youth, or swinging his hips with brother, who scored a dance hit on 80’s radio. Boyega is riveting to watch and made this film for me. 4 1/2 cats
Chris says: “It doesn’t soar and transcend like LOVERS ROCK (to date, the only other SMALL AXE entry I’ve watched), even if it constantly reminds you of McQueen’s directorial prowess and agility (not a bad thing whenever it genuinely surprises.) John Boyega, however, is superb as a man who discovers just how thankless and crucial it is to attempt to change the system from within. 4 cats
Red, White and Blue

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