The kind of historical film we need

Rating: 9/10 (22 December 2019)

"BlacKkKlansman" is, I think, one of my favorite 'Based on a True Story' movies I've ever seen, and that's saying something. From fantastic performances to it's hilarious moments of attention-grabbing comedy to it's difficult and horrifying truths, "BlacKkKlansman" stands out because of just how raw and real it feels despite creative liberties taken with historical accuracy--and that's a good thing.
I could talk about the cinematography and the acting and the direction for a long time, but I'd rather discuss what makes this movie truly unique in my eyes: the message is prioritized above all else. Far too many historical movies get lost in the minutia of historical accuracy that they forget to remind us why this story matters. If too much energy is devoted to period accurate set and costumes, to keeping the story strictly within the time period, the message can easily get buried. Now, historical accuracy is by no means a bad thing, but in "BlacKkKlansman"s case, it is less important than telling a story of white supremacy in the modern era, police violence, and solidarity between minority groups. Through John David Washington's Ron, Adam Driver's Flip, and Laura Harrier's Patrice, Spike Lee tells a tale of how each of these characters has a different role in combating white supremacy, and how none of them are less valuable than the others. The characters may disagree on methodology at times, but the film really portrays how much risk each of these people put themselves at to fight for their unified cause.
Three scenes really jump out to me in the way of overall tone and message. The first is the scene in which Kwame Ture is speaking to the Black Student Union. This scene is incredibly powerful because of how the faces of the crowd overlay the speech about black beauty and excellence. Secondly, Adam Driver's monologue about his own Jewish identity is extremely moving because he talks about how he used to never be fearful or uncomfortable about his own identity as a Jewish man, but ever since he entered the fight against white supremacy, he has begun to constantly think about his identity. This scene is particularly poignant because of how it expresses the dichotomy between being comfortable and somewhat complacent versus being uncomfortable and active. Lastly, the heartbreaking ending reminds the audience of just how relevant the issues presented in the film remain, and how little progress it feels like we've made. This scene makes it unequivocally clear the message Spike Lee is attempting to portray: we still have a long way to go, as a nation, and we must continue to fight white supremacy, because it still exists.
"BlacKkKlansman" doesn't beat around the bush in telling the audience what is means; rather, it slaps the audience in the face with meaning. And that is exactly what we need right now. This movie exists to make its audience uncomfortable with the way our society is now, but it also inspires us to make a change. It is, without a doubt, one of my favorite historical films, and a film that everyone should see.