Honestly, I would have loved to have read the book before watching this movie because of the reality that movies leave so much out that was included in the books they are based off of. But, I could hold out no longer and gave in. This movie was so captivating that it makes me want to read the book even AFTER having watched the film.
The Hate U Give starts out with a look into the dichotomous life of the main protagonist Starr (played by Amandla Stenberg). We are quickly given a look into how her school life and personal life differ and pull her in two seemingly opposite directions, just as the sudden murder of an unarmed life-long friend Khalil (played by Algee Smith) at the hands of a police officer right in front of her face brings both of her realities to a clash. As the aftermath unfolds, it brings the life of both Starrs into a heated and escalating war that reaches far beyond just her, her family and both communities she is a part of. Torn between keeping her eyewitness account a secret to protect her family and coming out with the truth to fight for the memory of Khalil, Starr begins to dissect how different people from different parts of her life think of the ever-so pervasive racial issues that have always and still do plague our lives. When Starr finally decides when and how to use her voice, she soon realizes that either way there are going to be repercussions and certain prices to pay for every single person who walks this earth- whether sooner or later.
Obviously relevant to the sociopolitical times we live in, The Hate U Give is the story of one young lady’s struggle with a number of different realities that millions of people live. But, the film also works as a realistic and, as I would argue, necessary examination of so many realities that millions of people do NOT live or have experience with. The Hate U Give forces us, one way or the other, to realize that one person’s reality is not necessarily another’s; but, that EVERY reality deserves to be and NEEDS to be wrestled with if we are ever going to better understand one another. We have little say in the types of circumstances we are born into, but that doesn’t mean we can’t learn to take an interest in, learn about and respect the circumstances of others.
In fact, the film is a reminder that a close and perpetual examination of all backgrounds is a prerequisite to becoming more united as a species and less divided by means of racial or religious or cultural identifications. We are ONLY one people and for the world as a whole to reflect this reality it is going to take a lot of work that is undoubtedly worth putting in. If you haven’t already, then please watch this film ASAP, which is a little over 2 hours long. The Hate Ü Give gets 4 out of 5 reps from me for being a necessary, gut-wrenching experience that I believe everyone should go through to assist in the betterment of humanity as a whole.
Were you moved to give this movie more love than hate, as I was?
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