American Skin

Production: Solid script, realistic but kind of preachy. Also some plot holes and questionable story choices. It is difficult to write in depth with systematic racism and police brutality, in a filmatic experience, that being said, solid writing. Decent sets, good enough to make the film believable. Solid editing, I wished they put subtitles on the Spanish speaking parts. 6/10. On screen: Good acting from Nate Parker, solid acting from the rest of the cast. At times, there were questionable decisions made by the actors, but I believe this is because of the writing. Some of the other actors' performances were either over the top or underperforming which is unbelievable. Solid cinematography. 6/10. Content/Impact: This is the dialog that is needed to talk about police brutality, mass incarceration, and racism. It's sad that movies like this one and others need to be made to show to racist, especially ones with power, that we black people are human beings and that we deserve equality. Also, the powerful statement at the end of the film about mass media and their carelessness of black lives. I am glad that Nate Parker is still able to make films, because between this and his debut film Birth of a Nation this is a director that has something to say about society and I'm all ears. Lastly, this will create space for other directors of color to be able to create more "radical" films meaning films that make a statement about society and how black and brown people are treated in it. 10/10. Overall: Pretty good film with a fantastic message about racism in America. 7.3/10.

Actor Nate Parker dabbles as a newb filmmaker writing and directing this story, as well as starring in it. It wasn't by any means a top-tier production, but considering he wore many hats with this film, it was still a pleasant viewing experience. His inexperience in directing was a little evident, and his screenplay certainly needed some tweaks, scenes cut shorter, and the pace picked up. But I really liked the format on how he decided to tell the story. The 89 min runtime felt a little longer with the slow pacing, too much preaching, and lots of filler. It could've used more substance, more drama or conflict. Nevertheless, it was very powerful, especially the very end when the news outlets tell their story... literally nailed it. The critics went really hard on this one, nitpicking it too much. Was it a great production? Not even close. Does it need to be seen? Absolutely, and it will still entertain. A solid 7/10 from me.

The reasonings and arguments presented in this film are brilliant and anyone who can't see that just doesn't have the ears to hear. The writing is extraordinary and the pain is real. I watched with my teenaged sons and American Skin stayed with us for a long time as we discussed, dissected and reveled in its themes. It will probably stay with us forever. Any critic who gives this film a poor review should never be allowed to review Black film again. All their biases are out for us all to see. Mr Parker pulled this film off with a tiny budget and look what he did!! So good. ALL police departments must change their training to include deescalation protocols. Let's hope this film opens the ears, eyes and hearts of the decision makers of the training programs.

The critics panned it, legitimate reviewers here who have more than one review in their history average 2.7 stars.

The most ironic thing about the reviews for this movie is the purposeful down-voting due to the subject matter and - likely - simply because of the trailer. The irony lies in the direct response of the up-voting and both sides not consciously realizing how closely those actions mirror the social issue that the movie attempts to highlight.

If even half of the reviewers bothered to watch the movie, they would realize that the actual purpose of the movie - in this writer's opinion - is the act of hard conversation. Not 'I-yield-3-minutes-to-the-gentleperson-from-Georgia'-type conversation but rather direct, constant and heated - yet metered - conversation.

Communication and understanding is the key to advancing all solutions to problems, especially considering how polarized the US has become in recent times.

The production value of the movie is also fine. Those that presented negative comments and ratings based on 'poor production value' are using that as an excuse for bias. The production may not be US$100M-summer-blockbuster fare but that wasn't the intent, and would have sorely taken away from the delivery.

The fact that this movie was produced in 2019, before the BLM/George Floyd-inspired protests and the Capitol-storming is a testament to why these conversations need to be had and why that time has long-passed. However, the next best time to start something is now.

'American Skin' is not just timely, it's incontrovertibly relevant.

The honest rating for this film is 7.1 but I confess my heart wants to give it a 9.