THE HATE U GIVE Movie Reaction! | First Time Watch | Amandla Stenberg | Regina Hall | Anthony Mackie
Quick Read
Summary
Takeaways
- ❖The opening scene depicting 'the talk' is an incredibly powerful and rarely seen representation in film, immediately establishing the movie's intense tone.
- ❖Star's parents, Maverick and Lisa, are consistently praised as exemplary role models for their protective, empowering, and wise guidance.
- ❖The film effectively uses color grading to visually distinguish Star's two worlds, which subtly merge as she integrates her identities.
- ❖The movie's exploration of Tupac's 'Thug Life' acronym (The Hate U Give Little Infants F***s Everybody) is central to understanding systemic cycles of hate and its impact on communities.
- ❖The narrative avoids one-dimensional characters, even antagonists like King and complex figures like Aisha, adding depth and realism to the story.
- ❖The hosts advocate for 'The Hate U Give' to be used as an educational tool in schools due to its timely and impactful addressing of modern societal issues.
Insights
1The Profound Impact of 'The Talk' as an Opening Scene
The hosts are deeply affected by the film's opening scene, where Maverick gives his young children 'the talk' about how to behave during police encounters. They note its rarity in cinema and its immediate establishment of the film's serious and unflinching tone, setting the stage for the escalating tension and central conflict.
Michael states, 'I don't think I've ever really seen it represented in film. And I think that just sets such a great opening tone of like, oh, things are about to get really, really real and we're really dealing with this subject.'
2Star's Parents as Exemplary Role Models
Maverick and Lisa Carter are consistently highlighted as 'master class' parents. Maverick's wisdom, protective nature, and emphasis on Black pride, coupled with Lisa's unwavering support and desire for her children's safety and education, create a powerful and positive family unit. Their ability to instill strength and self-worth in Star is a recurring theme in the hosts' discussion.
Viven exclaims, 'Best dad ever. Holy crap!' and later, 'These parents are doing the most, the best. Oh my god. Like I think just this is a master class in parenting period.'
3Nuanced Portrayal of White Allies and Ignorance
The hosts discuss the film's realistic depiction of Star's white friends. Chris, her boyfriend, is seen as genuinely caring and willing to learn, even when he stumbles, representing a path for education and understanding. In contrast, Haley embodies overt ignorance and casual racism, leading Star to recognize the necessity of ending one-sided friendships.
Michael notes, 'You also had Chris, her boyfriend, who like also didn't get it in certain respects, but was willing to learn. Exactly. And was willing to be educated. And like that's that's the big difference.' Viven adds, 'Racism as we see with Haley is just not touchable. Yeah. You don't have to touch that. Yeah. Can't argue with those people.'
4The Enduring Relevance and Unflinching Realism of the Film
Despite being released in 2018, the hosts lament that the film's themes of police brutality and systemic injustice remain tragically current. They praise the movie for 'not pulling its punches' and directly confronting these issues without resorting to simplified or 'happy' endings, making it a 'harrowing emotional journey' that reflects ongoing realities.
Michael states, 'This is unfortunately a story that seems to come up like just about every year.' and 'It's not a happy ending of like, oh man, life is tough, but at least it worked out for these characters. Justice was found. You know, it was served. They move on and they're better for it. It's not.'
Quotes
"I hate that every time a movie like this is watched, we're like, well, yeah. Wow. How very timely and fitting despite being like 8 years separated almost."
"It didn't pull its punches, but it left you with like just do your part. You show up like just like daddy maverick instilled from the get the greatest dad on planet earth."
"If you don't see my blackness, you don't see me."
"I don't think I've ever really seen it represented in film. And I think that just sets such a great opening tone of like, oh, things are about to get really, really real and we're really dealing with this subject."
Q&A
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