Three Movies that Explore Racial Issues with a Unique Twist | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Three Movies that Explore Racial Issues with a Unique Twist

28
Three Movies that Explore Racial Issues with a Unique Twist
huffpost.com

There are many good movies about racial issues out there, but these three are my favorite because each one explores the issue with a unique twist (arranged in order of the time period they are set in):

1. Belle (2013)

This period drama is set in 18th century England. Bell, the illegitimate mixed-race daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral, is taken to live with her great-uncle's wealthy white family.

Unique Twist - Belle experiences racial issues through a truly mixed lens as she is considered too high of rank to dine with the servants and to low to dine with her family. The movie also reverses social classes on a psychological level, as the Belle receives her father's inheritance while her white cousin, Elizabeth, receives no inheritance. This issue comes to a climax as the girls get in a fight over the man Elizabeth wishes to marry, who harassed Belle. Elizabeth declares that the man would never touch Belle because she is "beneath him" and "Illegitimate." Belle replies:

"My mother and father never married - you are correct. But my father acknowledged me as his child. It is yours who refuses to legitimize your position, Bette - that is why you are poor! And that is why it is not me who is beneath Mr. James, Bette.


2. Race (2016)


This movie is about Jesse Owen's journey experience up to and during the 1936 Olympics in Germany when Adolf Hitler was in power. (I just have to say, this title is the perfect play on words and makes me so happy!)

Unique Twist - The movie explores the racial issues surrounding the olympic games specifically during this time period, when all americans were divided on whether or not the United States should compete in the games. Owens receives pressure from both the white and black community from both sides of the issue, and he has to decide for himself whether competing in the 1936 Olympics will be viewed as an action in support of or against Hitler's ideology concerning racial issues. The movie also briefly highlights the experience of his two Jewish teammates during the games.


3. Gentleman's Agreement (1947)

A journalist is given the assignment to report on antisemitism in America and decides to do so by pretending to be Jewish in order to really experience the issue beyond the researched facts.

Unique Twist - The amazing thing about this movie is that it was made in 1947, only two years after WWII ended, so it is not a period drama. Racism doesn't always mean skin color. This movie is surprisingly complex as the main character (played by Gregory Peck... pardon me while I swoon...) experiences antisemitism from several angles. This movie also cleverly explores the passive side of racial issues through the main character's love interest, who verbally opposes antisemitism but subconsciously accepts it as part of reality.



Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

1969
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

1202
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

200422
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

21027
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments