White Man's Burden

Watch White Man's Burden

"Reality Just Switched Sides"
  • R
  • 1995
  • 1 hr 29 min
  • 5.3  (5,204)

In the movie White Man's Burden from 1995, we see a reversal of roles where the African American community is the superior one and white Americans are the underprivileged. John Travolta plays Louis Pinnock, a factory worker who struggles to provide for his family in a society that discriminates against him because of his race. He works at the factory of Thaddeus Thomas, played by Harry Belafonte, a wealthy black businessman who employs white people to work for him.

One day, Louis goes to work and accidentally walks into Thaddeus' office. Thaddeus mistakes him for an intruder and orders his security to remove him. The situation turns violent, and Louis is beaten up and loses his job. He returns home to his wife and children, feeling hopeless and powerless. He becomes obsessed with the idea of seeking revenge against Thaddeus and tries to approach him several times to demand compensation for his suffering.

As the movie progresses, we see how the roles of the white and black communities are reversed. The white people are segregated, live in slums, and are denied access to education and healthcare. In contrast, the black people are wealthy, educated, and have access to all the luxuries of life. The movie explores the themes of racism, classism, and power dynamics.

Kelly Lynch plays Marsha Pinnock, Louis' wife. She supports her husband through his struggles but is also afraid of the consequences of his actions. Marsha is a strong-willed woman who loves her family and tries to keep them together despite the odds.

The movie's title is a reference to the idea of 'white man's burden,' which was used in colonial times to justify the imperialism of European powers over the rest of the world. The movie turns this idea on its head by showing how the white community becomes the victim of oppression and discrimination.

Throughout the movie, we see how Louis is treated unfairly by society, his coworkers, and even his own family members. He feels like he has no control over his life and is at the mercy of those in power. His desperation and frustration lead him to take drastic action, which has consequences for everyone involved.

One of the most compelling aspects of the movie is how it challenges our assumptions about race and power. It makes us question our own biases and preconceptions and forces us to look at the world through a different lens. The movie's message is that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their race or social status.

In conclusion, White Man's Burden is a powerful and thought-provoking movie that explores themes of race, class, and power dynamics. John Travolta and Harry Belafonte deliver standout performances, and the movie's message is both timely and relevant. It challenges our assumptions about the world and forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about ourselves and the society we live in.

White Man's Burden
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Description
  • Release Date
    1995
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 29 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    5.3  (5,204)