The Birth of a Nation

It takes place almost 200 years ago, but The Birth of a Nation contains plenty of contemporary relevance.

Call that lucky or credit rookie director Nate Parker with savvy timing. Either way, it’s somewhat unsettling to draw parallels between a biopic about the leader of a 19th century slave uprising and headlines about violence involving police, or other ongoing racial strife.

Indeed, the provocative nature of this salute to grassroots activism and examination of systemic racism extends beyond its eye-catching title.

Parker also stars as Turner, who grew up as part of a slave family in the antebellum South. Taught how to read and write, he becomes a minister to fellow slaves. Eventually, Turner’s owner (Armie Hammer) wants to capitalize on that charismatic ability for financial gain, using Turner to help subdue potential unrest from other slaves belonging to surrounding landowners.

However, such travels also expose Turner to the widespread violence and abuse inherent to slavery itself. When his anger is stoked by actions against Turner and members of his own family, he begins organizing a rebellion to seek justice and freedom.

The evocative and uncompromising film conveys the type of distinct vision that typically marks such heartfelt passion projects. Parker meticulously captures the time and place, and the frequently brutal subject matter is appropriately difficult to watch at times.

Ultimately, it raises plenty of complex moral questions about Turner’s actions without providing as many answers. Such ambiguity is fine to an extent, although the film tends to downplay the consequences of the rebellion on the slaves, after the fact, into a mere footnote. The cruelty of the plantation owners is clear, but were Turner’s efforts misguided? Did they ultimately cause more harm than good?

Parker aims to pay tribute to Turner first and foremost, and his film capably spotlights an important historical figure. The contemplative and character-based approach focuses on the man behind a movement, dealing with a crisis of faith and of conscience that steers his suppressed rage into an act of violent revenge.

The Birth of a Nation feels stilted in some spots and embellished in others. Yet like its subject, the film also is powerful and persuasive, audaciously inviting a deeper scrutiny of both history and current events.

Rated R, 119 minutes.