Black and Blue - Intense and timely

"Be the change that you wish to see in the world." 

-Mahatma Gandhi 

Writing a review for Black and Blue is like walking through a Minefield: If you're not careful with where you step, you could end up causing severe damage to yourself or someone you care about. Because Black and Blue is an incredibly well-made film with an overdue and timely story about police corruption, racism, and toxic tribal mentality, all of which are unbelievably difficult for me to talk about (despite how much I really want to) because I am a white man. Because of the depressing and downright aggravating state of unrest in the present social and political climate, I ask if it is more appropriate for me to simply stand down and not say anything at all? To which I answer, no! Because while I do happen to be white, as well as a man, I am also, above all else, a human being. Who wants nothing more than to encourage others to take courage and do what is right, no matter how difficult, simply because. And I am happy to say that you can find that very same necessary inspiration in today's film, Black and Blue. Because, despite what others may say, you can indeed become the change you want to see. 

The story follows Officer Alicia West (Naomie Harris), a former soldier turned rookie cop patrolling the poverty-ridden (and predominantly black populated) streets of New Orleans. Police are trusted by no one, and citizens are regularly harassed by the police, but Officer West seeks to change that. She gets to an incredibly rocky start when she witnesses a corrupt undercover cop murder a set of drug dealers in cold blood. Having captured the event on her body-cam, Officer West must find her way back to the Police Station so she may turn in the evidence and take-down the criminals. Which is going to be easier said than done, because not only are all of the other crooked cops after her but the locals, some of whom work for a local crime boss named Darius (Mike Colter, yes, the guy who played Luke Cage), are under the impression that she committed the murders and are after the bounty on her head. West's only hope is to enlist the aid of an old friend named Milo (Tyrese Gibson) to help her accomplish her mission. All the while having to stop and explain to everyone she encounters that she genuinely wants to help people and bring in the actual murderers simply because it's her job and the right action that needs to be done. As West takes on everything that the bad guys throw at her, she starts a wave of inspiration that just might be what the people need. 

Black and Blue could almost be classified as a superhero movie. In fact, one thing which kept reoccurring in my head was how much Officer West reminded me of Captain America. One of the identifying aspects of Captain America is how committed he is to his convictions, mainly being a decent person and wanting to help others simply because it's right, despite how everyone else around him doesn't believe in his genuine nature. It's a sad fact of the modern age that we as people find it damn near impossible to simply accept that a person can simply be good for goodness sake. Yet, that is precisely what the movie reminds the audience of and, even better, commits to that statement unquestionably. The movie never downplays or feels ashamed of this simple yet profound message, and I commend the film for that. 

The cast does a remarkable job with their performances. Naomie Harris especially carries the whole film on her shoulders. To the point that you wonder why they haven't cast her in any other movie similar to this until now. Naomie delivers every bit of emotional resonance and physical struggle her character goes through, all the while never falling out of style. I dare say that Naomie Harris has proven herself to be an unbelievably capable actress, and I hope she continues to get more roles that are on par with this one. 

This film is an absolute must-see. It may not be the most comfortable film to watch, but it deserves your time and attention nonetheless. Please do not miss this one. 

Is this movie worth seeing? 

Yes. 

Is it worth seeing in Theaters? 

Yes. 

Why? 

It is a bold, profound, and timely story that must be seen on the big screen to fully absorb its impact. 

Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm, thank you all for reading.