Sensation Review of Black & White

Black & White (I) (1999)

Although the characters might be, the plot is anything but black and white

[7/10 · 21 October 2000]

This film captures racial angst in a way that few films have ever done before. Instead of black people or white people being the central antagonist, we see the debate over young white people's assimilation of the black culture fuel the plot. While some comparisons are taken to radical extremes (Charlie's father's near British accent to represent the aristocratic white male), the overall message is clear, and presented in a way so the viewer can related to specific characters, instead of having their individual emotions being tugged in the same directions as the rest of the audience in a near biblical example of self sacrifice or victory after the tragedy (see Remember the Titans, Malcom X, The Hurricane, or most other racially charged films). Put simply, Black and White is filled with so many characters and personalities, if one cannot connect with at least one of them then that person must have a hard time watching any movies at all.