The Hate U Give (2018) Review
10:31 AM
Two worlds, one voice, no going back.
The Hate U Give isn't based on a true story - it is a true story. Although Starr (Stenberg), Khalil (Algee Smith) and the rest of their community are fictional, their story mirrors the lives of many Black Americans today. The Hate U Give is a poignant exploration of inequality, cultural appropriation, police brutality and White supremacy/privilege. I haven't seen a film this relevant and powerful in a long time. It is incredibly moving; the narrative evokes feelings of anger, sadness, hope and empowerment. With excellent performances, a timely plot and a good soundtrack, The Hate U Give revives the YA genre into something more purposeful and pertinent.
Scarier than most horror films, The Hate U Give exposes the harsh and devastating reality for African-Americans. Starr is afraid to be herself at school - she doesn't want to be judged or stereotyped for her "blackness"; Starr has grown up surrounded by danger, crime and death - one of her childhood friends was killed by a ganglord, her father spent some time in prison and gang warfare is recurrent in her neighbourhood. The film begins like any conventional YA movie - the protagonist establishes their everyday life, introducing their family, friends and any other notable characters. It isn't until Starr and Khalil are on their way back home from a party when Tillman reminds the audience that being a Black American is definitely not conventional. In an intense, brutal and heart-breaking scene, Khalil's life is taken by a police officer. It is a difficult moment to watch that is replayed numerous times later in the film and doesn't lose effect. Khalil's time on-screen is brief, proving that life is unfair, cruel and unpredictable. Khalil's death is unjust and this powerful moment sends a wave of revenge, justice and morality over the rest of the film.
Amandla Stenberg described Starr as a compassionate and inspiring activist at last night's London Film Festival gala screening. This shows that Stenberg truly understood the character and the personal journey she embarks on during the film. Amandla Stenberg delivers a career-defining performance; this is the best she has been since her breakout role as Rue in The Hunger Games. Stenberg's own roles highlight the evolution of the YA genre. In 2012 she played Rue, a vulnerable and sweet victim who becomes a symbol of injustice and rebellion. In 2018 she plays Starr, a teen who finds her voice and leads a movement. Starr is a charming and compelling protagonist. She feels forced to compartmentalise and has created different versions of herself - at her private school, she is understated yet confident (she is Beyonce but secretly wants to be Solange); outside of school, she exercises her 'blackness' by using slang and wearing hoodies. It is painful to see Starr struggle with her identity and how her fellow students react to Khalil's tragic death. After battling her inner demons, as well as some real ones, Starr finds her voice. She uses her "superpower", as her father calls it, and makes a touching speech at the final rally. Maverick (Hornsby) named his daughter 'Starr' for a reason and Stenberg shines in the role.
Tillman contrasts Starr's school life with her home life. He uses a blue filter over the camera during the scenes at Williamson prep, making them visually bleak and lightening Starr's skin-tone. This symbolises the different person Starr becomes at school and how she conforms to Caucasian norms. In contrary, Tillman's shots of Starr's "ghetto" neighbourhood are warmer and enriched. Starr's closest friend Hailey (Sabrina Carpenter) is the epitome of White privilege. Hailey makes distasteful digs, insensitive remarks and ignorant comments frequently - Starr remains her friend though. That is until Hailey crosses the line by siding with the police officer who shot Khalil. In a stirring and potent moment, Starr stands up to Hailey, releasing the rage, anger and frustration that has built up inside of her. Sabrina Carpenter is as irritating and unlikable as the script intends for her to be. Starr's boyfriend Chris (Apa) also attends Williamson prep. He appropriates black culture but Starr is able to see past that. Chris isn't perfect but has good intentions. K.J. Apa is good - even if I was distracted by his jet black hair dye. There is a hilarious scene where Starr introduces Chris to her family - her father's reactions are priceless. The Hate U Give smartly comments on how Caucasians are too often ignorant, 'fake woke' and mimic Black culture. Two caricature-like figures are used to demonstrate this.
Despite all of life's drama, Starr always finds her way back to her supportive yet complicated family. Russell Hornsby is excellent as Maverick. From teaching Starr how to interact with the police to encouraging her to speak up, Hornsby delivers countless inspiring, motivational and effective speeches to his daughter. While Starr is trying to find her voice, she also has to battle with the pressure from her uncle King (Mackie) who presents deadly consequences if Starr speaks up. This 'gang' subplot added an even darker and more threatening tone to the film. Although Starr wants to help her community, there are family members who oppose. King's subplot is important to underscore another commonality in the lives of Black Americans. These issues come into the forefront when Starr's youngest brother Sekani (TJ Wright) raises a gun at King during the film's shocking finale. Some may interpret this moment as a little corny but in reality, it accentuates the impact that inequality, police brutality and crime can have. The film spells this out to the audience with its own title - 'The Hate U Give'. Sekani's courage and mindlessness exemplify Tupac's namesake quote "The Hate U Give Little Infants F**k Everybody". So much time is spent concerned with Starr, Khalil, King etc that the overwhelming effect all of this heavy drama is having on Sekani is dismissed. The Hate U Give reaches a disturbing climax that should be a wake-up call for everybody.
George Tillman's The Hate U Give works on multiple levels. It provides effective social commentary as well as telling a tragic and moving story. Amandla Stenberg is fantastic and shines alongside Russell Hornsby, Regina Hall and the entire cast. The film itself may have some pacing issues, running for over 130-minutes, but the important story being told deserves every second of the audience's attention. Black Panther is the MCU's superhero, Starr Carter is our world's hero. As sad as it is in 2018, films like The Hate U Give should be mandatory viewing. Change needs to happen and hopefully the voices of Tillman, Thomas, Wells and Stenberg can pave the way.
Amandla Stenberg described Starr as a compassionate and inspiring activist at last night's London Film Festival gala screening. This shows that Stenberg truly understood the character and the personal journey she embarks on during the film. Amandla Stenberg delivers a career-defining performance; this is the best she has been since her breakout role as Rue in The Hunger Games. Stenberg's own roles highlight the evolution of the YA genre. In 2012 she played Rue, a vulnerable and sweet victim who becomes a symbol of injustice and rebellion. In 2018 she plays Starr, a teen who finds her voice and leads a movement. Starr is a charming and compelling protagonist. She feels forced to compartmentalise and has created different versions of herself - at her private school, she is understated yet confident (she is Beyonce but secretly wants to be Solange); outside of school, she exercises her 'blackness' by using slang and wearing hoodies. It is painful to see Starr struggle with her identity and how her fellow students react to Khalil's tragic death. After battling her inner demons, as well as some real ones, Starr finds her voice. She uses her "superpower", as her father calls it, and makes a touching speech at the final rally. Maverick (Hornsby) named his daughter 'Starr' for a reason and Stenberg shines in the role.
Tillman contrasts Starr's school life with her home life. He uses a blue filter over the camera during the scenes at Williamson prep, making them visually bleak and lightening Starr's skin-tone. This symbolises the different person Starr becomes at school and how she conforms to Caucasian norms. In contrary, Tillman's shots of Starr's "ghetto" neighbourhood are warmer and enriched. Starr's closest friend Hailey (Sabrina Carpenter) is the epitome of White privilege. Hailey makes distasteful digs, insensitive remarks and ignorant comments frequently - Starr remains her friend though. That is until Hailey crosses the line by siding with the police officer who shot Khalil. In a stirring and potent moment, Starr stands up to Hailey, releasing the rage, anger and frustration that has built up inside of her. Sabrina Carpenter is as irritating and unlikable as the script intends for her to be. Starr's boyfriend Chris (Apa) also attends Williamson prep. He appropriates black culture but Starr is able to see past that. Chris isn't perfect but has good intentions. K.J. Apa is good - even if I was distracted by his jet black hair dye. There is a hilarious scene where Starr introduces Chris to her family - her father's reactions are priceless. The Hate U Give smartly comments on how Caucasians are too often ignorant, 'fake woke' and mimic Black culture. Two caricature-like figures are used to demonstrate this.
Despite all of life's drama, Starr always finds her way back to her supportive yet complicated family. Russell Hornsby is excellent as Maverick. From teaching Starr how to interact with the police to encouraging her to speak up, Hornsby delivers countless inspiring, motivational and effective speeches to his daughter. While Starr is trying to find her voice, she also has to battle with the pressure from her uncle King (Mackie) who presents deadly consequences if Starr speaks up. This 'gang' subplot added an even darker and more threatening tone to the film. Although Starr wants to help her community, there are family members who oppose. King's subplot is important to underscore another commonality in the lives of Black Americans. These issues come into the forefront when Starr's youngest brother Sekani (TJ Wright) raises a gun at King during the film's shocking finale. Some may interpret this moment as a little corny but in reality, it accentuates the impact that inequality, police brutality and crime can have. The film spells this out to the audience with its own title - 'The Hate U Give'. Sekani's courage and mindlessness exemplify Tupac's namesake quote "The Hate U Give Little Infants F**k Everybody". So much time is spent concerned with Starr, Khalil, King etc that the overwhelming effect all of this heavy drama is having on Sekani is dismissed. The Hate U Give reaches a disturbing climax that should be a wake-up call for everybody.
George Tillman's The Hate U Give works on multiple levels. It provides effective social commentary as well as telling a tragic and moving story. Amandla Stenberg is fantastic and shines alongside Russell Hornsby, Regina Hall and the entire cast. The film itself may have some pacing issues, running for over 130-minutes, but the important story being told deserves every second of the audience's attention. Black Panther is the MCU's superhero, Starr Carter is our world's hero. As sad as it is in 2018, films like The Hate U Give should be mandatory viewing. Change needs to happen and hopefully the voices of Tillman, Thomas, Wells and Stenberg can pave the way.
84
/100
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