Movie Title: Loving
Grade: A-
Rating: PG-13, 123 minutes
In a Nutshell: Written
and directed by Jeff Nichols, this historical drama sensitively tells the true story
about the 1967 U.S. Supreme Court decision that invalidated state laws
prohibiting interracial marriage.
This movie received a standing ovation at its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.
The film is based in part on the documentary The Loving Story by Nancy Buirski.
This movie received a standing ovation at its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.
The film is based in part on the documentary The Loving Story by Nancy Buirski.
Loving is the last name of the married couple, yet also a
simple statement about what’s important in life.
Uplifting theme:
- Love
doesn’t come in colors.
- “Marriage
is a fundamental right.” – Bernie Cohen (Nick Kroll)
Things I liked:
- Joel
Edgerton does a great job. His
character becomes an unexpected
civil rights activist. Wow, those blue eyes.
- Ruth
Negga has incredibly expressive eyes. I first noticed her in Marvel's Agents of SHIELD - Season 2 [DVD] and think she is so beautiful.
- I love
the imagery and symbolism of Richard Loving building foundations as a hard-working
brick layer. The foundation of a loving family is built on a strong marriage. The foundation of a successful country is its good, hard-working citizens and the protection of civil liberties.
- This
film’s treatment of the Loving’s story is very respectful and understated,
making it all the more powerful.
- Michael Shannon plays a very small role as Grey Villet, but is a welcomed addition and a softer character than we’re used to seeing him play. Director Jeff Nichols adores Michael Shannon, as this is their 5th film together.
- You get to see the famous picture of Richard and Mildred Loving at the end of the movie.
- Marton Csokas does a great job playing a man you don't like, the racist Sheriff Brooks.
Things I didn’t like:
- There isn’t any humor to offset the heavy sadness and drama of the serious social issues.
- It’s extremely slow moving.
Interesting lines:
- “Now
you know what’s it like.” – Virgil (Will Dalton)
- “Is
there anything you’d like me to say to them? And by 'them' I mean the Supreme Court
justices of the United States?” –Bernie Cohen (Nick Kroll)
“Yeah. You can tell the judge…tell the judge I love
my wife.” – Richard Loving (Joel Edgerton)
Tips for
parents:
- You’ll
hear the “N” word.
- Discussion
of premarital sex.
- If you’re 45 years or younger, it’s hard to imagine a time when interracial couples
were not allowed to marry. You can
have a good discussion with your children about racism and civil
liberties. America has come a long
way since the Civil Rights movement of the 50s and 60s, although we still
have a long way to go.
Other fantastic movies about the Civil Rights movement that you should see:
Lee Daniels' The Butler
The Help
Mississippi Burning
Remember The Titans
To Kill a Mockingbird
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