Watch Boycott

Boycott is a 2001 made-for-television movie that aired on the cable network HBO. The movie is based on the historic boycott of the Montgomery, Alabama bus system that took place in 1955-1956, and tells the story of the African American community's struggle for civil rights. The film opens with the arrest of Rosa Parks, a seamstress and civil rights activist, for refusing to give up her seat on a Montgomery city bus to a white passenger. The scene is set for the larger struggle against segregation and discrimination that will follow.

The movie's main focus is on the leadership of the boycott, which was sparked by Parks' arrest. Led by Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. (played by Jeffrey Wright), the African American community in Montgomery begins a year-long boycott of the bus system. The boycott is an attempt to force the city to end its policy of segregating African American passengers to the back of the bus and denying them seats in the front, even if the front seats were empty.

The film portrays the boycott as a pivotal moment in the history of the civil rights movement, as it marked the first major nonviolent protest against segregation in the United States. The boycott not only challenged the city of Montgomery, but also set off a wave of protests across the South.

The film takes an unflinching look at the opposition that the boycott faced. White citizens and local businesses fought back against the boycott, using everything from intimidation to violence to try to break the resolve of the African American community. The boycott's leaders, however, remained committed to peaceful resistance, and the film shows how their conviction inspired ordinary people to stand up for their rights.

One of the strengths of Boycott is its portrayal of Dr. King, who is shown as a human being with his own doubts and struggles. The film delves into his personal life, showing how the stresses of leadership and the strain on his relationships with his wife and young children affected him. Wright's performance captures King's charisma and intelligence, as well as the inner conflict that drove him to fight for justice.

The movie also includes a strong cast of supporting characters. Carmen Ejogo plays Coretta Scott King, Dr. King's wife, who is shown as a woman of intelligence, grace, and strength in her own right. Terrence Howard plays Ralph Abernathy, one of King's closest allies and a crucial figure in the boycott. And Reg E. Cathey gives a memorable performance as E.D. Nixon, a local leader who plays a major role in organizing the boycott.

One of the film's key themes is the power of unity and solidarity in the face of oppression. The boycott was successful because it brought together a diverse group of people who were united in their desire for change. Boycott shows how ordinary African Americans, including domestic workers and day laborers, put their jobs and livelihoods on the line to stand up for their rights.

The film also explores the complex relationships between different groups within the African American community. While the boycott initially faced some resistance from more conservative black leaders, including prominent ministers, it eventually became a unifying force. The film also touches on the divisive issue of gender, showing how women like Rosa Parks played a crucial role in the boycott but often went unrecognized.

One of the strengths of Boycott is how it depicts the arc of the boycott, from its origins in a single act of defiance to its ultimate triumph in the courts. The film shows the boycott as a hard-fought battle, with victories and setbacks along the way. The final scenes, which show the boycott's leaders celebrating their victory, are powerful and moving.

Boycott is a well-crafted and inspiring movie that tells an important story about the struggle for civil rights in America. It does justice to the bravery and determination of the African American community in Montgomery, and it highlights the ongoing relevance of the boycott's message of nonviolent resistance. For anyone interested in the history of the civil rights movement or the power of collective action, Boycott is a film not to be missed.

Boycott is a 2001 special interest movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes.