Watch Behind the Movement
- 2018
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7.3 (141)
Behind the Movement is a movie that delves into the story of Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott that she helped to initiate. This is a historical drama that takes place in the mid-1950s and is based on the true events that eventually led to the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. The movie stars Meta Golding as Rosa Parks, the brave woman who refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus on December 1, 1955. Her actions sparked a boycott of the Montgomery bus system that lasted for over a year and eventually led to the end of segregation on public transportation.
Roger Guenveur Smith plays Raymond Parks, Rosa's husband who was a strong supporter of the Civil Rights Movement. Isaiah Washington plays Edgar Nixon, a prominent civil rights leader who played a key role in organizing the bus boycott.
The movie is directed by Aric Avelino and written by Katrina O'Gilvie. It premiered on February 11, 2018, on TV One, an American cable network with a focus on African American culture.
The movie starts with the story of Rosa Parks' life before the bus boycott. We see her working as a seamstress at a local department store and attending meetings of the NAACP, where she becomes active in the Civil Rights Movement. One day, after working hard all day, she boarded a bus to go home. The bus driver, J.D. Blake (played by Lanett Tachel), demanded that she give up her seat to a white passenger, which was the law at the time. Rosa refused and was arrested.
The rest of the movie follows the events that unfolded after Rosa's arrest. The African American community of Montgomery was outraged by what had happened to Rosa and decided to boycott the buses in protest. The boycott was led by a young pastor named Martin Luther King Jr. (not played by Washington) and other civil rights leaders such as Edgar Nixon.
The boycott was not an easy task, as the African American community had to find alternative ways to get around the city without using the buses. But they persevered, organizing carpools and walking long distances to work and school. Along the way, they endured intimidation and violence from the white community, including the bombing of Martin Luther King Jr.'s home.
As the movement gained momentum, the leaders faced pressure from both sides to end the boycott. African Americans were losing their jobs because they could not get to work, and the bus company was losing money. But the leaders stuck to their principles and did not give up. Finally, in November 1956, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that segregation on buses was illegal, and the boycott came to an end.
Throughout the movie, we get to see the personal struggles of the characters involved in the boycott. We see Rosa dealing with the pressures of being the face of the movement and the toll it takes on her health and personal life. We also see the relationship between Rosa and her husband Raymond, who is supportive of her but concerned for her safety. Edgar Nixon is shown as a fiery and determined leader who does not back down in the face of adversity.
Behind the Movement is a poignant and inspiring movie that celebrates the bravery and determination of the African American community that stood up against injustice during one of the most pivotal moments in American history. With its strong performances, excellent writing, and powerful message, it is a must-watch for anyone interested in the Civil Rights Movement and the people who changed America for the better.
Behind the Movement is a 2018 drama. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.