My daughter and I recently had the pleasure of seeing The Hate U Give. Please allow me to preface this by saying I am a high school librarian and I have seen how popular the book written by Angie Thomas is among my students.
From the moment we heard Tupac, during the trailer, I was intrigued by this movie. Also, being familiar with the book, I knew that it was going to be a unique film with a story that needed to be given life. George Tillman directed the movie, and I am so happy to see that he kept essential elements of the story.
“Starr Carter is constantly switching between two worlds: the poor, mostly black, neighborhood where she lives and the rich, mostly white, prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Now, facing pressures from all sides of the community, Starr must find her voice and stand up for what’s right.”
I want to take the time to quickly discuss two of the characters that I felt had a powerful impact not just in the movie, but as a reality of what others may or may not see every day. Please understand that all of the characters are pivotal to the overall storyline, but because of time, I will keep it short.
Starr / Starr 2.0
I am a Starr fan! I love movies that involve women leading the way and not being afraid to do the right thing. She grew up in a good family and respected herself and made others do the same and “hear” her. As a young lady, it’s essential for all young women (especially black young women) see their worth and know they can make a difference and do it in a way that works for them and their personality. In other words, you don’t have to be something you are not. After her friend Khalil was killed, Starr knew that it was ultimately her job to speak for him because he could not speak for himself. In realizing how important his voice was, she realized how important her voice was because no one should have to experience what she experienced with her friend.
Starr’s (2.0) family thought it was best for her and her siblings to attended a private school in a different area of town to give them a better education. There is nothing wrong with that because I think that most tend to choose schools that embody one’s beliefs and desires for their children. This movie allowed me to see a different perspective and how the kids may or may not be impacted by attending schools outside of their everyday norm. Starr felt that she had to be one person with her family and friends from her neighborhood while embodying a different persona when she was at school. That can be frustrating for any student having to adapt, but my only suggestion for any young person in a similar situation… be yourself!
King (Anthony Mackie)
Can we discuss how scary King was is in this movie? Not that he was that scary, but the thought of growing up in an environment where someone like that can become an influence on an entire community is a frightening thought. I see why Starr felt like she needed to stand up for herself and her best friend. In my head, I wonder if King was also conflicted in some way. I won’t go into further detail to avoid spoilers, but when you see him, let me know if you see something similar.
Who Should See This Movie?
After seeing this movie, I believe that kids in high school and perhaps upper middle scholars and beyond should experience this movie. The film includes many life lessons that I am sure a large population can relate. My daughter is 16, and She felt unpowered seeing it.
For more information about The Hate U Give, be sure to follow them via their official social media channels.
www.TheHateUGive.com, FACEBOOK, TWITTER, and INSTAGRAM
The Hate U Give arrives in theaters, October 19, 2018.
Until Next Time!
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