“The Birth of a Nation”, now showing in cinemas everywhere, is without doubt, a must see movie for everyone. The movie is a grueling account of the life of Nat Turner, played by Nat Parker [Beyond the lights, Arbitrage], an enslaved African American and ordained preacher who piloted a slave rebellion in Virginia.


It epitomizes an inspirational tribute to the struggle of African Americans. Unlike other slave-based stories where the main character is subdued and the victim of gruesome master(s), this movie shows how African Americans rebelled and fought against oppression.

In a twist of fate story, Nat Turner was encouraged to read by the wife of the plantation owner, who gave him a bible. By the time he reached adulthood, he had become a man of religion, capable of rousing eloquence.

Turner was rented out to preach at other plantations where, after years of relatively humane treatment, he became fully aware of the depravity and torture wreaked upon slaves. Unable to remain docile to the ghastliness he witnessed and experienced, including the abuse of his own wife Cherry (Aja Naomi King), he strategically began to plot an insurrection.

Written, Directed and Produced by Nate Parker, “The Birth of a Nation” is especially imperative given recent racial clashes in the U.S and the subsequent momentum behind Black Lives Matter. Parker’s command of the camera is unparalleled and he demonstrates a gift for eliciting textured performances from his co-stars, Aja Naomi King, Gabrielle Union, Chike Okonkwo, Armie Hammer, Colman Domingo, Penelope Ann Miller. A work this powerful would be impressive for any filmmaker, so the fact that this is Parker’s first directorial feature is undoubtedly amazing.

Nat Turner will always be remembered for avidly fighting for his people’s freedom, more than 100 years before there was such a thing as a civil rights movement and “The Birth of a Nation” seeks to ensure that he did not do so in vain.

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