By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4.25 cats
Director: Steve McQueen
Starring: Antonia Thomas | John Boyega | Joy Richardson | Liam Garrigan | Seroca Davis | Steve Toussaint | Tyrone Huntley
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.