The Raw Realities of the Civil Rights Era

Read Time:3 Minute, 49 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
King: A Filmed Record… Montgomery to Memphis
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Genre: Documentary, Biography, History
Year Released: 1969, 2024 Kino Lorber Blu-ray
Runtime: 3h 5m
Director(s): Sidney Lumet, Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Where To Watch: available now www.kinolorber.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: KING: A FILMED RECORD… MONTGOMERY TO MEMPHIS takes viewers back to the heart of the Civil Rights era. It drops them into an all-encompassing plunge into Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s transformative odyssey from local advocate to planetary icon of justice. Shunning the polished veneer of voiceovers and staged interviews, the film opts for a gritty, street-level showcase of momentous events, letting the sheer force of historical recordings narrate the tale. Clocking in at three hours, it's a marathon of authenticity that demands attention, rewarding viewers with a profound understanding of Dr. King's footprint on history.

Central to KING: A FILMED RECORD… MONTGOMERY TO MEMPHIS is a rich expose of the past, treated with a sincerity that breathes life into the history shown on screen. The documentary reels viewers into the electrifying ambiance of Dr. King's speeches, juxtaposed against the protests marred by inconceivable hostility. Kino Lorber offers this meticulous restoration of these celebrated moments by the Library of Congress and The Museum of Modern Art, ensuring the footage hits the screen with unmatched clarity and impact, safeguarding its role as a pivotal educational and historical treasure.

The narrative depth of the documentary is magnified by poignant “cameos” from silver-screen stalwarts like Paul Newman, James Earl Jones, and Ruby Dee. Their presence weaves a connective thread between yesteryear's battles and today's ongoing fight for fairness, spotlighting the timeless resonance of Dr. King's mission. These sequences, laced through snapshots of segregation and conflict, deliver a raw, emotionally charged journey that educates and stirs the soul. While the film itself shows these history-defining moments as a story from the past, they are unfortunately more timely than ever with a wave of emboldened hatred that has spread across the country.

The film entrusts its narrative to the clips, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the Civil Rights movement's core. Far from being an unfocused montage of historical highlights, the film is a meticulously crafted odyssey that traverses through tumultuous times, spotlighting both the monumental victories and heartbreaking defeats of the movement. The documentary paints a layered portrait of his legacy by delving into the lesser-known chapters of Dr. King's advocacy, including his critique of the Vietnam War and his campaign for economic equity.

More than a tribute to a historical icon, KING: A FILMED RECORD… MONTGOMERY TO MEMPHIS serves as a beacon for reflection and action. In an era where Dr. King's ideals are as crucial as ever, the documentary is a stark reminder of the strides made and the journey ahead. It beckons viewers to ponder the past and actively partake in the mission for justice that Dr. King championed. While the documentary's extensive runtime might intimidate some, its exhaustive exploration of a defining chapter in American history is invaluable and uplifting.

KING: A FILMED RECORD… MONTGOMERY TO MEMPHIS stands as a stirring homage to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s indelible legacy, inviting audiences to witness the monumental impact of his endeavors. It emerges as an essential piece of film documentation, echoing through time to inspire a continued march toward a realm of justice and empathy.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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