That mark was so close

Rating: 7/10 (10 January 2015)

"Selma" deals with key events in 1964 and 1965. It shows how difficult it was for Johnson to maneuver politics and eventually pass legislation to protect the civil rights of all the citizens in this country. Of course, nothing would have happened without the drive and dedication of Martin Luther King. He inspired and convinced many to see what was happening in the South becoming a political and spiritual leader to many, advocating patience, resilience, and non-violent approaches.
Of course, it's not easy to change society overnight, and there were many obstacles along the way, many of them a very dangerous and hateful nature. People were hit, tortured psychologically, rights were dismissed under the most ridiculous and evil circumstances, and innocent lives were destroyed along the way.
It is almost unbelievable to see how this happened only 50 years ago, watching how men justified their actions under the most illogical reasoning. It is heartbreaking and infuriating to see how voting rights are denied, a dying culture continues, with the support of ignorance and violence. The best scenes in "Selma" is when we are witnesses to the beating of people asking for their rights, and we wonder who is worse, the executors of the beating or those who just stand there fueling the fire, or tacitly approving.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the film is listening to politicians being afraid of change, of alienating those in power. There are comparisons to looking at the talk of helping other countries but ignoring our own needs. Unfortunately, something happens here, and the words don't quite match the powerful images.
At times "Selma" feels like an amazing achievement showing the epic moments. There is also plenty of power in the portrayal of the African American leader, but something else fails to make a connection. Still, the film is a pretty powerful reminder of the forces and events that have shaped this country.