Powerful. Emotional. Inspiring. George Tillman, Jr.’s The Hate U Give is an award-worthy film that does not hold back.
Based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Angie Thomas, The Hate U Give follows Starr Carter (Amandla Stenberg), a black, 16-year-old girl living in the majority-black neighborhood of Garden Heights. Because the local high school is “where you go to get jumped, high, pregnant, or killed”, Starr’s parents send her and her half-brother to Williamson, a majority-white school in an affluent neighborhood. While at school, Starr feels the need to alter her persona so she is not perceived as ghetto, which inhibits the she speaks and acts. After leaving a party in Garden Heights, Starr and her childhood freind, Khalil (Algee Smith), are pulled over by a white police officer. During the traffic stop, Khalil is asked to exit the vehicle and wait. After reaching in his car for a hairbrush (which is mistaken for a gun), Khalil is is shot and killed by the officer. Witnessing his death, Starr is asked to testify before a grand jury, but is advised not to by King (Anthony Mackie), the leader of a local gang, fearing she may reveal that Khalil dealt drugs for him. Refusing to to be silenced, Starr finds her voice and advocates justice for Khalil.
To date, this is the highest rating I’ve given a film that I’ve reviewed. This is an incredibly powerful and relevant film, driven by a strong cast performance with a heart-breaking and inspiring story. Despite the film not being based on an exact event, there are references to the injustices Black American’s face with mention of Tamir Rice, Sandra Bland, Eric Garner, and Emmett Till. Because of the cultural and social relevance of the film, some will be resistant towards the film’s eye-opening story. However, The Hate U Give isn’t a film that hurls empty accusations attacking one group, it’s a point of view. It’s an opportunity to see the world through the eyes of a 16-year-old girl living in two very different worlds and has witnessed the death of a friend. Starr Carter is a superhero. Not a superhero with extraordinary abilities, but rather a hero that refuses to be silenced and stand up for justice, despite backlash and threats.
In my opinion, the success of a film can be determined by two things: a great story and strong performance by the cast. The Hate U Give nailed both. I absolutely love this cast. Regina Hall, Issa Rae, K.J. Apa, Algee Smith, Anthony Mackie, Common, etc. were all amazing. However, there are two performances I want to single out. Amandla Stenberg as Starr Carter and Russell Hornsby as Maverick Carter, Starr’s father. Maverick “Mav” Carter, a former King Lord, makes a strong impression that can’t be ignored. Having served as King’s right-hand man and spending time in prison, Mav would intimidate anyone, but he is authentic, real and fully committed to his family and community. Hornsby’s portrayal of Mav was incredible and is an example of what fathers want to be; strong, caring, willing to risk everything for their family. I can’t praise Hornsby enough for this performance.
What can I say about Amandla Stenberg that would do her performance justice? Her performance as Starr Carter, an amazing character, is one of the most convincing I’ve seen. I’ve never rooted and felt for a character they way I did for Starr, and I don’t know if that is possible without Stenberg’s stellar performance. I’ve enjoyed Stenberg in her previous films, but this will go down as one of my all-time personal favorites.
This is a film that shouldn’t be missed. Find a way to watch it. Understand its significance and how powerful the message is. We could use more films like The Hate U Give.
Spacial Features:
- Extended Scenes
- Starting a Conversation
- The Talk
- Code Switching
- Starr: Shine Your Light
- The Heart of Georgia
- Thank U Georgia
- Audio Commentary by George Tillman, Jr., Amandla Stenberg, Russell Hornsby, Angie Thomas and Craig Hayes
- Gallery
