Selma Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

MLK goes for a jog with his friends, gets chased by angry cops, and LBJ is like, ‘Fine, you can vote now,’ then everyone sings a rap song.

🍿 Selma: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Struggle for Voting Rights

The film opens in 1964 with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. Shortly after, a tragic bombing at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, underscores the racial violence plaguing the South. Annie Lee Cooper’s failed attempt to register to vote in Selma highlights the systemic disenfranchisement of Black citizens. These events set the stage for King’s decision to focus his efforts on securing voting rights in Alabama.

Selma: A Focal Point for Change

King and his team, including Ralph Abernathy, Andrew Young, and Diane Nash, travel to Selma, Alabama, recognizing it as a strategic location to challenge discriminatory voting practices. The film depicts the blatant racism of local officials like Sheriff Jim Clark and Governor George Wallace, who actively suppress Black voters. Efforts to register voters are met with intimidation, violence, and unjust arrests. The tension escalates, drawing national attention to the civil rights struggle.

The Selma to Montgomery Marches

The film showcases the planning and execution of the Selma to Montgomery marches, a series of peaceful protests aimed at demanding voting rights. The first march, known as ‘Bloody Sunday,’ is brutally suppressed by state troopers at the Edmund Pettus Bridge, resulting in severe injuries to many marchers, including John Lewis. This event galvanizes support for the movement and prompts widespread outrage across the nation. The subsequent marches, despite facing legal challenges and continued opposition, ultimately lead to President Johnson’s commitment to introducing voting rights legislation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (David Oyelowo): The Nobel Peace Prize laureate leads a campaign for equal voting rights in Selma, facing violent opposition.
• Coretta Scott King (Carmen Ejogo): The supportive wife of Martin Luther King, Jr., who grapples with the dangers and pressures on their marriage.
• President Lyndon B. Johnson (Tom Wilkinson): The President of the United States who is pressured by Dr. King to enact legislation to allow black citizens to register to vote.
• George Wallace (Tim Roth): The segregationist Governor of Alabama who opposes the civil rights movement and attempts to prevent the marches.
• Annie Lee Cooper (Oprah Winfrey): A determined civil rights activist who seeks to register to vote and faces discrimination.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “We are not asking, we are demanding the ballot.” – Said during a speech, emphasizing the urgency and determination of the civil rights movement to secure voting rights.
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “There’s power, love, justice, and yes, forgiveness. That’s what we need to overcome.” – Words that capture the essence of non-violent resistance and the transformative power of love in the face of hatred and injustice.
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “The only way to really lead is to empower other people to lead.” – Showcases King’s philosophy of shared leadership and empowering others to become agents of change in their communities.
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “We have waited for more than 340 years for our constitutional and God-given rights.” – Highlights the long history of injustice and the urgent need for change.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $52,076,908
• Worldwide Gross: $67,782,762

💥 Selma Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely captivated by Selma. David Oyelowo’s performance as MLK was absolutely stunning, I felt like I was watching the real man. The scene on the Edmund Pettus Bridge was incredibly powerful and moving. The film reminded me of the struggles and sacrifices made for civil rights and left me feeling both inspired and determined.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “History enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers interested in social justice and civil rights”
  • “Fans of biographical dramas”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Racial slurs”
  • “Historical discrimination”
  • “Brief suggestive content”

Professional Reviews

• Richard Roeper: “Selma provides a history lesson that doesn’t feel like a history lecture. DuVernay directs with flare, keeping the film emotionally grounded. Oyelowo embodies MLK, showcasing his doubts and insecurities, delivering a deeply felt performance. The ‘Bloody Sunday’ sequence is brutal but impactful. A must-see.
• N/A: “While the film is well-acted, David Oyelowo’s performance stands out as a powerful embodiment of MLK, capturing both his strengths and vulnerabilities. Ava DuVernay’s direction and Paul Webb’s screenplay create an intense and emotional experience that makes you feel like you are there in Selma.

Audience Reactions

David Oyelowo’s performance as MLK was transformative and believable.: Viewers widely praised David Oyelowo’s authentic portrayal of Martin Luther King Jr., noting his ability to capture the nuances of King’s character and oratory style.

The film powerfully portrays the brutality and injustice faced by civil rights activists.: The raw and unflinching depiction of the violence during the Selma marches left a lasting impact on audiences, fostering a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made for equal rights.

Overall Consensus: Selma is a powerful and moving film that brings to life a crucial chapter in American history. It is a must-see for its compelling story, strong performances, and important message.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Original Song)- 2015

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “David Oyelowo spent seven years trying to get the film made, and he actively campaigned for the role of Martin Luther King Jr.”
• “Ava DuVernay was brought in to direct after Lee Daniels left the project. She significantly revised the script to focus more on King’s personal journey and the experiences of the ordinary people involved in the movement.”
• “Due to rights issues, the filmmakers were unable to use Martin Luther King Jr.’s actual speeches verbatim, so they had to be re-written. The screenwriters worked to capture the essence and cadence of his speeches.”
• “The Edmund Pettus Bridge scenes were filmed on the actual bridge in Selma, Alabama, where the ‘Bloody Sunday’ events took place.”

🖥️ How to Watch Selma?

Selma is available to stream on various platforms. You can find it for purchase or rental on Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for broadcast schedules.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Selma, you might like these similar films:

• Malcolm X (1992): Another powerful biopic about a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement, offering a different perspective on the struggle for equality.
• 42 (2013): Tells the story of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in baseball, highlighting the pervasive racism of the era and the courage required to challenge it.
• The Butler (2013): Follows the life of a White House butler who served under several presidents, offering a unique perspective on the Civil Rights Movement and its impact on American society.
• Mississippi Burning (1988): Dramatizes the investigation into the disappearance of three civil rights activists in Mississippi, showcasing the intense violence and resistance faced by those fighting for equality.
• Hidden Figures (2016): Celebrates the untold story of African-American women who played a vital role in NASA’s early space missions, highlighting their contributions in the face of discrimination.

🛒 Selma Related Products

• Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Life: A detailed and comprehensive biography of Martin Luther King, Jr., providing insights into his life, activism, and the Civil Rights Movement.
• Selma: The Bridge to the Ballot (Young Readers’ Edition): A book for young readers about the events in Selma, Alabama, and the fight for voting rights.
• Civil Rights Movement Documentary Collection: Collection of Civil Rights documentaries offering detailed accounts and historical footage of the movement.
• Selma Movie Poster: Commemorative poster of the movie ‘Selma’, showcasing powerful imagery from the film.

🎧 Soundtrack

Selma features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Glory” – performed by John Legend & Common
• “One Morning Soon” – performed by Joyce Collins & Johnita Collins

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Selma : The Real Selma Footage

Dive into the heart of history with this compelling video that brings the powerful story of Selma to life. By seamlessly merging real footage with cinematic moments, it gives you a unique perspective that will leave you in awe.

Oprah and David Oyelowo on new civil rights film “Selma”

Join Oprah and David Oyelowo for an insightful chat. They’ll take you behind the scenes of ‘Selma’ and explore the film’s impact on our understanding of civil rights.

“Glory” from “Selma” winning Best Original Song

Relive the triumph! Witness the electrifying moment when “Glory” from ‘Selma’ won the Oscar for Best Original Song. It’s a celebration of art and activism that will send chills down your spine.

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