The Hate U Give review – Mr T’s take
A resonating story about the truth of police brutality against minorities in contemporary USA. This The Hate U Give review is brought to you by AboutFlick’s Mr T.
Director: George Tillman Jr.
Review: Based on the eponymous novel written by Angie Thomas, The Hate U Give is a compelling take on the racism that is prevalent in society today and how it’s claiming lives and destroying families in the form of police brutality. It’s a tale that’s being told from the perspective of 16-year-old Starr Carter, portrayed by the brilliant Amandla Stenberg, who doesn’t quite fit in, neither at high school nor within her traditional African-American community.
Stenberg is amazing as the quintessential girl-next-door whose life gets turned upside down when she becomes the sole witness to the violent murder of her childhood friend Khalil by a police officer. She eventually comes to terms with the bitterness of life as she learns that justice isn’t the same for people of colour and becomes the target of a local drug dealer, who sees her as a snitch. Russell Hornsby and Regina Hall are impressive as Starr’s parents, though Anthony Mackie and Common are completely wasted and don’t have much space to shine. However, this story is about Starr, and the director pieces her journey beautifully leading to a powerful and emotionally packing climax. It isn’t always smooth sailing, but she learns a thing or two about love, friendship and family along the way and ultimately embraces her heritage in the end.
Though this film is set in the USA, I think it’ll resonate with people of colour and marginalised sections around the globe who are often at the receiving end of unnecessary and excessive police force and feel helpless being caught up in an endless cycle of violence with a system designed to keep them out. My rating is a solid 4/5.
Who should watch this: If you like films that explore the themes of class divide and racism, then this one is right up your alley. And if you like this one, don’t forget to check out recent films like Marshall, Bomb City, Detroit, Malcolm X, BlacKkKlansman, The Little Stranger, Mudbound, Selma or even the hilarious Sorry To Bother You.