Tag: Alex wheatle

Education (2020)

Rounding off the incredible Small Axe series is Education. Veering away from police discrimination completely and focusing on the mistreatment of black children by the education system. Following schoolboy Kingsley Smith (Kenyah Sandy) who is sent to a school for the “educationally subnormal”, a grotesque term used throughout for children who struggle academically. Kingsley cannot read but is clearly very bright and has been sent to this school due to racial profiling and the lack of support provided for non-white children in mainstream education. Despite the promise of receiving one on one care and a class tailored to his specific needs, what Kingsley enters is a school that deprives its students of any lessons and any respect. The children are neglected with the assumption that they will enter “menial” jobs afterwards that don’t require a formal education. As Kingsley’s mum, Agnes (Sharlene Whyte) begins to question whether her son is really benefitting from his new classes. Along with a local politician, Agnes assists in helping bring the issues of the education system to light.

McQueen’s decision to conclude Small Axe with Education is an interesting one. There have been references to educational discrimination through Small Axe for example at the start of Red, White and Blue when we see a young Leroy Logan forced to undergo a stop and search right outside his school by police whilst wearing his uniform and there are references to Alex’s school performance in Alex Wheatle. This makes the thread into Education flow really nicely and finish the series showing that the problems lie within all systems. Starting with Kingsley at a planetarium with his class as they sit in a presentation on Andromeda which is then contrasted soon after with an English lesson in which he struggles to read an excerpt from Of Mice and Men, it’s clear that Kingsley is a capable student but needs more support from his teachers. Rather than offer more help and guidance, his English teacher chastises him in the middle of class and turns his struggle into a laughing stock. Immediately, we are introduced to the prejudice faced as Kingsley finds it hard to express to his mum why it is that he is being picked on constantly.

McQueen has a knack for picking great newcomers. As Kingsley, Kenyah Sandy is a perfect fit as he conveys that conflict that the character has perfectly. Wanting to please his mum and do well in school, Kingsley starts to miss mainstream education when it’s evident that his new school does not have his best interests at heart. With the help of his mum, sister and a Saturday school set up to help the children who aren’t being supported, Kingsley is given the opportunities that he should have been afforded. Watching the final scene in which he reads aloud to his family is one of great relief and emotion as Kingsley pushes through the doubts of those in the educational system who has wronged him. The maturity that Sandy brings is beyond his years and yet he acts as if he has a full understanding of the gravity of what has gone on.

A lot of the politics within the film is discussed among the adult characters and it is Sharlene Whyte as Kingsley’s mum, Agnes, is my personal highlight. Managing to juggle two jobs and her children’s wellbeing, Agnes may seem dismissive of Kingsley’s objections initially but grows to doubt the education system and their intentions. Whyte’s portrayal of Agnes is subtle and laid in such realism that you feel her struggle and horror as she learns of the racial bias that is happening to towards the black community. The scene in which she is at the group meeting she says few words but Whyte conveys a lot more through her expressions that words aren’t needed.

It goes without saying that watching Small Axe has been consistently thought-provoking and educational as well as captivating through McQueen’s impeccable talent for storytelling. I have said before how he is one of the most exciting filmmakers working in the industry today and releasing a feature film anthology series was a bold move that has paid off. Much like his initial career as an artist, McQueen is constantly pushing the envelope and developing new ways to convey a story through film in different ways. This is what is so exciting and it feels revolutionary to watch Small Axe. The brilliance of all five films, and Education in particular, is that they retain their impact even when watched on the.small screen which shows the mastery behind the writing and directing.

What did you think of Education? Let me know in the comments below!

Education is showing along with the rest of the Small Axe films on BBC iPlayer!

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Alex Wheatle (2020)

The penultimate film in Steve McQueen’s Small Axe anthology series is named after a prominent figure of the Brixton riots that took place in 1981. Alex Wheatle sees the titular character (Sheyi Cole) serving a sentence after partaking in the riots and connecting with his roommate, Simeon (Robbie Gee) as he shares his story from his troubled upbringing in the system to adulthood where he starts to learn his roots and how that fits into the modern day society where the police are constantly mistreating minorities on a regular basis. Just like the other films in this series, Alex Wheatle is another unflinching look into the ordinary life of a black man.

Like the previous installment, Red, White and Blue, Alex Wheatley decides to chronicle a specific person’s experience rather than an event as found in the first two films. Where Alex Wheatle differs from its predecessor is it goes into detail of how racial prejudice is evident in the social services system. From the moment he is put in social services’ care, it is clear that Alex has entered a system that doesn’t care for him. From the constant physical abuse and daily beratement, Alex’s struggle to fit in at school and have a healthy home life is basically impossible from the outset. McQueen shifts between the present and past so we can see the parallels between Alex’s child and adulthood even if the events are different.

Sheyi Cole is fantastic as Alex, playing him from his teenage years to adulthood. With the film itself being named after his character and being onscreen for the majority of the time, it could be easy for a newcomer to struggle to remain consistently captivating but Cole does a brilliant job. From Alex’s time during childhood in a foster home where he was abused and picked on constantly by the matron because he is black to his time among the black community as an adult where he is an outcast as he doesn’t acknowledge his blackness or know his roots. Alex goes on a journey to find his identity and over time he is shaped by the people around him becoming more comfortable in himself and aware the political climate.

As Alex’s cell mate, Simeon, Robbie Gee also pulls off a flawless performance. Simeon acts as Alex’s polar opposite. A Rastafari who is completely aware of himself and his identity, Simeon encourages Alex to read a wide range of literature to better himself when it comes to his views on the world. Acting as the inspiration for Alex to become a writer, his presence is so integral to the plot and development of Alex’s character. He is also the catalyst to Alex’s built up tension and anger as his ongoing hunger strike leads to a bout of diarrhea which causes Alex to lash out due to the smell. Naturally Simeon manages to calm Alex and ask him to share his story. Simeon is a character created from Wheatle’s memories as he acted as a consultant for the script meaning that you get the full story from his perspective.

Reaching into another area of London, Alex Wheatle shows that these communities are connected by the thread of racism and prejudice that is thrust upon them by systems that are meant to serve and protect them. Focusing on the person rather than the riots also made sure that the audience fixation remains on Wheatle whereas in Mangrove, the actual protest is such an important part of showcasing the injustice the whole group faced. Another interesting choice by McQueen was not immediately divulging what Alex’s crime actually was so we can naturally see the events of Alex’s life unfold without actually knowing what to expect except for the fact that he ends up in prison.

What did you think of Alex Wheatle? Let me know in comments below!

Alex Wheatle and the rest of the Small Axe films are available to watch on BBC iPlayer now!

Tags Alex wheatle, anthology, bbc, Brixton, film, films, lovers rock, mangrove, movie, movies, Red white and blue, review, reviews, Robbie gee, series, sheyi cole, small axe, steve mcqueen, tv

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Top 5 Films of 2020

2020 has certainly been a whirlwind of a year for many reasons thanks due to global pandemic. Like many others within the film community, I have found solace in films during the difficult times and the closure of cinemas have resulted in the majority of new releases being released onto streaming services. My website has seen huge growth and I feel more confident in my writing now thanks to all of the support. This year also saw me review my first lot of film festivals with London Film Festival and Raindance Film Festival providing unforgettable experiences.

As a lot of people begin to post their Best of 2020, I thought I would do the same. Rather than do a top 10, I thought I would do a top 5 instead (it’ll become clear why when you see my choices). Bear in mind that I am counting films that were released after this year’s awards season so films like Parasite won’t be included (if I had included them, it would have to be a top 30 and I don’t have the time sorry!). I will be writing a mini review for each but my full reviews that be accessed by clicking the links.

Before I commence my top 5, I want to give an honourable mention goes to Pedro Almodóvar’s spectacular short film, The Human Voice. As my list consists of feature length films, I thought I would mention The Human Voice here. Featuring a stellar Tilda Swinton performance (as if she delivers anything less!), it’s a fantastic glimpse into the deterioration of a woman whose life slowly becomes to fall apart as she comes to terms with the end of her relationship. You can read my fuller review for The Human Voice here.

Without further ado, here are my top 5 films of the year:

5) Soul

Kicking off this list is the first of two animation choices. In a year of strong animation output, Pixar’s Soul was the most discussed, especially since their awards attention was going to be pushed onto this film more than Onward which was released just before lockdown. Just when you thought Pixar couldn’t get bigger with their imagination, they got Pixar legend Pete Docter in to direct yet another masterpiece. A film that delves deep into one man’s life and his purpose, Soul is mesmerising in both its animation and narrative. At times abstract and bizarre, it feels artistic at times thanks to the limitless minds at Pixar which is what makes the studio so exciting. Boasting an A list cast and a score to die for (pun intended), Soul kicks off this list with hugely high standard.

4) Small Axe

So my number 4 choice is a tad controversial as I have given it to Steve McQueen’s revolutionary anthology film series Small Axe rather than a specific film from the collection. Hear me out though! I initially had compiled a top 10 and unsurprisingly, it was overwhelmed with the films from Small Axe and so I wanted to acknowledge McQueen’s phenomenal cinematic achievement in one go. Spanning several decades and showing the discrimination faced by the West Indies community in London, Small Axe explores well known stories such as first installment Mangrove and lesser known issues as seen in the concluding installment Education. Each film as good as the last, McQueen is one of the most exciting directors working today (you can read my article on his films here). He is a fearless filmmaker who isn’t afraid to confront the racial issues head on, whether that is through the realistic brutality endured at the hands of the police sworn to protect or the vile discriminatory language used to belittle the community. Small Axe is an anthology series that has flipped the script on how filmmaking can be perceived as well as making that important statement that the issues explored haven’t completely gone away.

3) Da 5 Bloods

It couldn’t be a proper top 5 without the incredible Spike Lee. Following on the flawless Blackkklansman with the equally stellar Da 5 Bloods, Lee takes us through the African-American experience in Vietnam during the war and its aftermath. Following 4 men returning to Vietnam to locate their fellow soldier’s body, Da 5 Bloods is a film that makes it statement, showcasing the struggle of men who fought for a country that treats them unfairly. Mixing in different forms of film to provide a wider historical perspective, Lee is a true master of making his films into political statements that have plenty to say. His films are made to show the disturbance within a system that is sworn to protect its people. The racial discord is clearly one that is still evident today and those connections from the Vietnam War to now is evident in how Da Bloods are treated throughout the film. Disrespected wherever they go, the men can only find true solace in each other because no one else has had their experience both in the literal war and racial war.

2) I’m Thinking of Ending Things

My number 2 pick takes us deep into the wonderful world of writer-director-genius Charlie Kaufman with his adaptation of I’m Thinking of Ending Things. In true Kaufman style, what begins as a straightforward narrative in which an unnamed woman (Jessie Buckley) contemplates ending her relationship with partner, Jake (Jesse Plemons) soon turns into a winding labyrinth into the subconscious where reality and fiction and time and space become completely fluid to the point where nothing really makes sense. Eventually, the woman’s name is changed on a regularly basis and the tone shifts from drama and comedy to thriller and suspense. It’s a film that doesn’t allow you to glance away for a moment. Kaufman really is one of a kind but it is his mind and imagination that has drawn fans in again and again. His films are entirely up to interpretation so one person may take something from the film whereas the person next to them will take another. I’m Thinking of Ending Things is a film you will either love or hate but the bottom line is you will feel strongly about it one way or other.

1) Wolfwalkers

Just as we begun the top 5 with an animation, we’ll end it with an animation as well. Easily my top pick for this year is the incredible Wolfwalkers. Cartoon Saloon’s latest offering is beautiful beyond words and becomes even more magical on every rewatch. Available now on Apple TV, not only does it deserve to sweep the animation categories, it fully deserves to be a contender among the Best Picture nominees when the time comes. I go into more detail on my review which you can access by clicking the film title but be assured that Wolfwalkers is a film that will impact you long after viewing it. From the contrasting artistic styles to showcase the conflicts within the film to the spellbinding music, Wolfwalkers is a film that provides escapism while also incorporating important life lessons and folklore in a way that is engaging to audiences of all ages.

While this year has been one full of challenges and sadness, film can always be a portal to escape those troubles for an hour or two. Despite the closure of cinemas, this has been an extremely strong year for film and the upcoming awards season has proved to show huge competition, particularly in the acting, directing and writing categories. A year of diversity across all mediums has shown the desire and importance to create films from cast and crew from varying background. Not only does this give something different to what the usually white mainstream cinema is accustomed to but the differing perspective makes way for revolutionary discussion and helps to break those barriers.

What were your favourite films this year? Let me know in the comments below!

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Small Axe (2020)

One of the most exciting releases of the year comes in the form of Steve McQueen’s Small Axe anthology series. Consisting of five films that explore the racial tensions during the late twentieth century in the West Indies community London, Small Axe is an achievement worthy of much awards discussion. I have written on McQueen’s previous feature films which you can read here. With Small Axe, McQueen only proves further why he is one of the most exciting and fearless directors working today.

Since their release, I have been working my way through the Small Axe reviews and will link them below for easiness. Having them all in this post will make the website look a lot tidier so for my thoughts on each individual film, simply click on the film names below!