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Brown Paper Bag is a thought-provoking drama about identity and what it means to be black in America. The film is directed by Detdrich McClure and stars Ashley Akins, Michael Anthony Jr. and Vivia E. Armstrong. It was released in 2019 and has garnered attention for its storytelling and themes. The movie follows the life of a young black man, who is light-skinned and can pass as white. He is raised by his grandmother, who instills in him a strong sense of pride in his black identity, despite his appearance. As he grows up and moves to the city, he faces a series of challenges that test his beliefs and force him to confront his own prejudices.

One of the main themes of the movie is the complex nature of identity. The protagonist grapples with the fact that his appearance allows him to navigate the world in a way that is different from other black people. He is able to get jobs and attend events that he would not be able to access if he looked visibly black. This leads to a sense of guilt and confusion about his own identity. He is unsure if he should be proud of being black or if he should try to pass as white to access more opportunities.

Another theme of the movie is the idea of colorism. The protagonist is treated differently based on his skin color. He is never stopped by the police or followed in stores, the way darker-skinned black people are. He is even able to secure a job through a connection with a white friend, despite not having the qualifications for the job. This disparity in treatment is a harsh reality for black people who do not meet certain standards of beauty and skin color.

The film also delves into the concept of code-switching. The protagonist must navigate different worlds and communities, and he has to change his behavior depending on who he is interacting with. He knows that he cannot be too black in white spaces, and he has to be careful not to offend his black friends by seeming too white. This struggle with identity and behavior is central to the film's narrative.

The acting in Brown Paper Bag is outstanding, particularly from the lead actors. Ashley Akins delivers a nuanced portrayal of a man trying to navigate his own identity in a society that forces him to choose between his appearance and his culture. Michael Anthony Jr. brings a quiet strength to his role as the protagonist's best friend, who is proud of his blackness and never wavers in his beliefs. Vivia E. Armstrong plays the protagonist's grandmother, and her performance is both wise and heartbreaking.

The cinematography in the movie is also noteworthy. The film is shot in a way that is both visually striking and emotionally resonant. The use of light and shadow creates a sense of tension and drama, while the use of color reflects the themes of colorism and racial identity.

In conclusion, Brown Paper Bag is a powerful and timely movie that explores issues of race, identity, and privilege. It is a film that will leave viewers thinking and questioning their own assumptions about these topics. The storytelling is subtle and poignant, and the performances are exceptional. This is a movie that should be seen by anyone interested in social justice issues and the complexities of the black experience in America.

Brown Paper Bag is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.