Share

The Hate U Give

accreditation
Amandla Stenberg in The Hate U Give. (AP)
Amandla Stenberg in The Hate U Give. (AP)

WHAT IT'S ABOUT:

Starr Carter is constantly switching between two worlds: the poor, mostly black, neighbourhood where she lives, and the rich, mostly white, prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when she 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.

WHAT WE THOUGHT:

Having read the novel by Angie Thomas recently I was a bit apprehensive and afraid that in adapting the story for the screen it would take away some of the heart and lighter moments that I enjoyed so much.

My fears were for naught – I can honestly say that this is by far one of the best film adaptations I have seen. The changes that they have made in the screenplay adds another dimension to the story but also doesn’t take anything away from the brilliant novel.

While the film is grounded in the Black Lives Matter movement it is at its core a coming-of-age story and one about family.

It focuses on how a tragic event affects and shape the life of Starr Carter and her immediate family and also how it affects her community as a whole. 

The star of the film (no pun intended) is Amandla Stenberg who plays the protagonist Starr. 

The 19-year-old actress has raked up quite a resume for playing a strong, charismatic lead character – she is undoubtedly becoming the heroine of this generation. 

In this role she portrays Starr with such conviction – her struggles with identity, race relations and finding her voice is relatable for all ages. 

The parts that I enjoyed most in the film are the ones with her family, especially her interactions with parents Lisa (Regina Hall) and Maverick (Russell Hornsby) and her brothers Seven (Lamar Johnson) and Sekani (TJ Wright).

As an ensemble they have great chemistry together. A special mention to TJ who embodied Sekani so well. He was a joy to watch.

The movie is a message film and also a call-to-action however, it doesn’t preach to the viewer it gives you different perspectives and allows you to make up your own mind. 

There are also very enlightening debates and conversation starters particularly a scene in which Starr talks about the shooting with her policeman uncle Carlos (Common). 

A great script combined with a great cast this movie is a must-see.

While the story is one that makes headlines everyday it will give viewers a glimpse of what people who are living this go through. 


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE