Watch Burden

Burden is a drama film from 2018 that tells the true story of a young man named Mike Burden, played by Garrett Hedlund, who was raised in the Ku Klux Klan in South Carolina. The movie follows Mike's journey as he confronts his troubled past and tries to break free from the toxic environment that he grew up in. He falls in love with a single mother named Judy, played by Andrea Riseborough, who helps him to see beyond his racist views and to embrace a more compassionate and accepting worldview.

The film is set in the 1990s and opens with Mike being taken under the wing of a notorious Klan leader named Tom Griffin, played by Tom Wilkinson. Mike is eager to please Griffin, and he quickly rises through the ranks of the Klan, becoming Griffin's right-hand man. However, as the movie progresses, Mike begins to question the Klan's ideology and its violent tactics, which include burning crosses on the lawns of black families and physically attacking those who do not adhere to their beliefs.

Things come to a head when Griffin decides to open a Klan museum in the town, which causes an uproar among the local community. An African-American church group, led by Reverend Kennedy, played by Forest Whitaker, organizes a protest outside of the museum, and tensions between the Klan and the community escalate. Mike is torn between his loyalty to Griffin and his growing feelings for Judy, who happens to be an outspoken opponent of the Klan.

As the pressure mounts, Mike begins to realize that the Klan's values are incompatible with his own, and he decides to leave the Klan and start a new life with Judy. However, his former Klan associates are not willing to let him go so easily, and they begin to harass and threaten him and Judy. Mike and Judy turn to Reverend Kennedy for help, and he encourages them to stand up against hate and intolerance, no matter what the cost.

Burden is a powerful film that tackles themes of racism, prejudice, and redemption. The movie does not shy away from the dark side of the Klan, and the violent and hateful acts that they perpetrated against minorities. However, it also shows that people can change and grow, even in the face of overwhelming odds. The movie is anchored by strong performances from the main cast, particularly Garrett Hedlund, who imbues Mike with a sense of vulnerability and sincerity that makes his transformation all the more compelling.

One of the strengths of the movie is the way it portrays the complexity of the issue of racism in the United States. The movie avoids simplistic stereotypes and offers a nuanced exploration of the many factors that can drive someone to embrace extremist beliefs. It also shows the role that love and compassion can play in breaking down barriers and fostering understanding between different groups of people.

Overall, Burden is a thought-provoking and emotional film that is well worth watching. It offers a valuable message about the importance of empathy and understanding in a world that is often characterized by division and intolerance. The movie is a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome even the most entrenched prejudices and to forge a better, more inclusive future for all.

Burden is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 57.