SELMA (2014) | FIRST TIME WATCHING | MOVIE REACTION

[@GenXDaddyO]

The part when the white pastors come to join the protest hits me especially hard. My dad was a pastor at a suburban church in Missouri at the time, and was among those who traveled to Alabama to join the march. It brings me pride to know that he stood with Dr. King and the movement to realize equal rights for all, in spite of the risks to his career and safety. Thank you for taking the time to watch this movie and giving recognition to those who stood against hatred and discrimination.

[@greggthompson959]

The bombing that killed the four little girls was at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, on Sunday, September 15, 1963. My parents vividly remember watching news coverage of that. By the way, my dad's cousin and some of his college classmates marched from Selma to Montgomery. His mother was terrified for his safety, but totally understood why he wanted to do it and fully supported the Civil Rights movement.

[@greggthompson959]

In 1941, my grandmother's sister (my dad's cousin's mom) honeymooned in Florida. She and her husband drove down there from New York. Along the way and way back, they saw firsthand the living conditions for African Americans. It saddened and haunted her. It also made her proud of her son for participating in the Civil Rights movement.

[@joecool2987]

This movie shows that the girls were walking downstairs when the bomb went off and were killed but they were really in the women’s lounge and denis walked over to Ade Mae and said “ Ade, tie my sash” and Ade reached out to tie it and the. The bomb went off. Sarah Collins Rudolph was the only survivor in the lounge that day and even though she has forgiveness in her, she lives with that pain everyday cuz she’s blind in one eye.

[@MrBluntDaily]

As a son of Civil Rights activists...(they didn't march with Dr. King, but they protested, marched and followed his principles) I'm proud of you. It's not an easy piece of history to educate yourself on. It's brutal and ugly. And beautiful. Does that make sense? Whatever. Proud of you, girl!

[@swiss86]

This was not “a long time ago” this was our parents time. This was our grandparents time. This is still very fresh. The people who perpetrated and condoned this violence are very much alive and often have shocking amounts of power. This fight is still ongoing.

[@adamplace1414]

Well look, there's very little I can add to the story of Dr. King told by this movie, so I'll tell a story about movies and TV that involves him instead. Nichelle Nichols, who played Lt. Uhura on Star Trek, was thinking of leaving the show after its first season and getting back to Broadway. Gene Roddenberry, the show's creator, told her to think about it over the weekend. On that weekend she was present at an NAACP event, as was Dr. King, who introduced himself as her "biggest fan." He said that Star Trek was the only show he'd let his children stay up and watch, and basically gushed about it. When she mentioned she was thinking of leaving, he essentially talked her out of it, pointing out how she was one of the only African American female role models, in a position of authority, in Hollywood at that time. Sure enough, she would go on to inhabit the role of Uhura for the next quarter century, inspiring countless young people including future Oscar winner Whoopi Goldberg.

[@timparker4627]

That's the romantic story that Nichelle told anyway. But given that MLK like to sleep with white prostitutes, and hung around Communists, don't you think this might be made up?

[@brentfugett2700]

I remember seeing a video of Ms Nichols recounting the talk with Dr King. I remember distinctly her saying his response following a suddenly serious expression and furrowed brow was a stern "You canNOT!!". What a great account, and of course Dr King was right, her role at that time far exceeded any potential Broadway gain, she portrayed intelligence, poise, strength, and beauty to the nth degree and was the ultimate role model. She is truly remarkable.

[@tomselleck6341]

Thank you for that story that was inspiring not only because Martin Luther King made her understand how important the role was for black females/black people and other non- whites, but also because of the great Gene Roddenberry who wanted to create star trek in the first place, a program that showed the truth about humanity that we are all one, brothers and sisters just need some help to see it! Thank you GENE

[@timparker4627]

@@tomselleck6341 We are not all one people. And we're not all equal. Stop being silly.

[@previouslyachimp]

@@timparker4627 - We are, quite literally, all one people, Homo Sapiens Sapiens to be exact. Thus, we should be treated as equals.

[@sidewaysoul]

This probably won't garner the amount of views you're accustomed to, but I thank you for watching it. Spike Lee's 'Malcolm X' should be on your shortlist.

[@ajmccalla4511]

YES! That movie is so good!

[@stevencolatrella3257]

It's a great movie! I second the suggestion.

[@vellyvel2250]

Malcolm X would be a great watch! You only got a tiny taste of him in this movie! His story and the movie are absolutely amazing! And yiu said you loved Remember the Titans, Denzel is in this too!

[@jmurdock8303]

@@ajmccalla4511 yes it would be

[@proteuswest1084]

Your reaction of horror at the unfairness of what happened, as well as your compassion, is what Selma, and the Civil Rights movement was all about. People of all races saw something evil and they risked their lives to stand against it, to stand with their fellow humans.

[@timparker4627]

Yeah not really. This is the liberal media's version of what happened. And a deeply anti-white one.

[@severance1961]

I just want to let you know that in the actual footage of the march at the end of the movie one of the persons you saw was Harry Belafonte. A great American singer. Hits are: 'Try to remember', 'Jamaica Farewell', 'Island in the Sun' and 'Day-O'. He has a beautiful warm soothing voice that you can hear in many of his song ('Try to remember' especially). He became one of Martin Luther King Jr.'s closest confidants and just like MLK is a great human being. He has been an advocate for political and humanitarian causes for many years and is stil alive today.

[@seantlewis376]

When I recognized Harry Belafonte in the archive footage, I knew it was genuine archive footage.

[@mtpugh]

I am a 65 year-old cis heterosexual white male who lives in Alabama. I had the privilege to meet and shake the hand of Representative John Lewis at the reopening of the Otherside, a lesbian bar in Atlanta which was bombed in 1996. I was there to support a friend of mine who was at the bar at the time of the bombing. She was a paramedic, and rendered aid to many who were there, even though she herself was injured. Representative Lewis had his skull fractured at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma.

[@RetroClassic66]

You should also watch Spike Lee’s MALCOLM X (1992), starring Denzel Washington. It’s a magnificent film and shows the man as he really was - complex and intelligent, charismatic and passionate, motivated by love but unwilling to compromise. I strongly recommend that you see it as part of your offerings for Black History Month in February, Cassie. I think you’ll be deeply impressed by it.

[@johnspringer6003]

So wonderful of you to watch this and therefore honor the late Martin Luther King Jr on this day. You're a beautiful soul. I'm 61 years old so this happened on my lifetime. Sadly, it's still happening.

[@w41duvernay]

Much is this is playing out with Trump and Republicans who have been trying to end Democracy in America. Trump himself wanted to use America troops to attack George Floyd protestors at the White House, it was only the Head General that said no. It has been been a long standing policy to not attack non violent civil rights protestors.

[@martinboyle9163]

I agree with everything you wrote.

[@PurushaDesa]

"That Malcolm X guy." 😂 An incredibly important figure and many of his speeches have only increased in relevance with time. The establishment has conspired to write King's radical nature out of history while monsterising Malcolm X as some evil cartoon version of him but the truth is they had more in common than what separated them.

[@17thknight]

Especially after Malcolm went to Mecca, he and King were extremely similar at that point in their lives

[@joeconcepts5552]

That’s why I really enjoyed the movie Malcolm X. That’s how I thought of him until seeing it.

[@maryohara6192]

Cassie, this was a very important movie and a tough one to do a reaction video too. You did it wonderfully, with all the respect it needed, with your heart, your words and thoughts were perfect. This was also beautifully edited and put together. ❤

[@porgyt7177]

My high school buddy, Omar J Dorsey is in this! Brother James Orange 🍊 He told me how incredibly moving it was for him to be a part of this film. (He's the guy who wears glasses and looks like a linebacker in the core group.)

[@beingnicoleceleste5060]

Thank you for watching this! This movie brings tears to my eyes every time. Bloody Sunday is such a dark time in American history…but hopefully we take all the steps to never let it happen again. The hate has to stop…we have to learn to love and respect each other. Thank you to MLK, all my ancestors and those who stood with us who didn’t look like us. It’s because of them me and my sons live comfortably today

[@NeptuneLady1957]

Consider doing a review of the film Malcolm X. Also JFK. Also, if this film has peaked your interest in Dr. King and his fight for civil rights, there is a documentary called “King: Montgomery to Memphis.” It’s very compelling.

[@Acidicju]

Good suggestions! I would like to add "The Life and Times of Harvey Milk" to the list, as well.

[@NoHandleGrr]

Oliver Stone's JFK is mostly fantasy conspiracy nonsense that distracts from the reality of today's racism. But, sure there are endless great documentaries on civil rights series. A start is "EYES ON THE PRIZE" I & II.

[@billbliss1518]

I agree on Malcolm X but the Oliver Stone film JFK is just a load of conspiracy theories. Check out a book called “Case Closed” by Gerald Posner. He set out to prove that Oswald was not alone, investigated every avenue, every possibility, and came to the conclusion that he was wrong, Oswald did act alone.

[@osmanyousif7849]

And Ali (2001).

[@TrequartistaFM]

Second JFK

[@TheWadetube]

Did you recognize Harry Belafonte at 37:21 ? I believe Nichelle Nickols was also at this speech. She was going to quite Star Trek and Mr. King talked her out of it stating that she was the best representation of a black woman on television at the time and she "Cannot" quite.

[@Braedensground]

Thank you for this Great Reaction, Cassie. I watch your channel for your empathy and humanity. Especially shown today. Cheers!

[@Soupie62]

I have known of people who dismiss movies like this (and Schindlers List). Why? Because movies, especially dramatisations, invent or mix scenes to improve narrative flow. The thing is - movies like this get a lot more right than they get wrong, and the ATTITUDES of the opposing sides are the most important aspect.

[@joecool2987]

This movie is amazing. My grandmother( may she rest in peace) she worked with the NAACP in Maryland, I’m also related to ellijah Muhammad cuz my grandfather’s brother married Muhammad’s daughter. But my grandmother she marched with Dr. King in Alabama and stood toe to toe with the Klan. Plus my grandfather helped establish the Dr. King holiday

[@dlove032002]

Dr. King accomplished so much. He was only 39 when he was assassinated.

[@lifelover515]

We're all proud of you. Cassie. Your outrage is palpable. King's bravery and that of his compadres shine through, and so would yours, I am sure, when the chips were down. Well done.

[@joebombero1]

"Ordinary People" (1980). Multiple academy award winner directed by Robert Redford. You will LOVE it. Classic film.

[@carolineandrews200]

I’m so glad you’ve watched this movie. People can truly be evil. I live in the south and unfortunately so much racism still exists. My son recently learned about this (he’s 6), and to see him talk about how horrible all of this evil is was heartbreaking. I only hope future generations can take this and learn….

[@tomselleck6341]

Thanks for teaching your son the truth which should help him to be not a good person but by the sounds of it a GREAT MAN! And he will owe it all to a great mother, yourself, thank you!

[@joelpayne1193]

You are wonderful mother to your kid and please continue teaching your son how become a good person to everyone ☺️

[@thejenmath]

I saw this in theaters and cried through probably 80% of it.

[@asteven8]

When I was young, Martin Luther King Jr seemed larger than life, this experienced older man. I can’t even begin to comprehend all that he accomplished in his short time on this Earth and that pain and suffering. All that stress and death around him in the pursuit of equality. This year, I’ll be turning 39, the same age he was when he was assassinated, and all I can think now is how young he was.

[@vincentsweargen8436]

My father served as one of his bodyguards once. My dad was also shot in the arm while registering to vote.

[@thane9]

It is VERY important to realize that this fight is not over. Many states are right at this moment passing laws that prevent people from voting.

[@lanolinlight]

Cassie learning about Malcolm X and J. Edgar Hoover is another miracle of KZbin.

[@kelsosemail]

Lots of people here suggesting Malcolm X. Pretty sure we all agree she can skip Leo in J Edgar.

[@pewterngold]

@@kelsosemail …why? Hoover, like him or not is a part of American history. It’s important to try and understand those who have views or conduct acts that we don’t like and agree with. It makes us educated and leaves them ignorant.

[@kelsosemail]

@@pewterngold Because J. Edgar sucked. That's why. If she's looking to break her record for fewest views, J Edgar would be a contender.

[@lanolinlight]

@@pewterngold The subject is worthy but that particular film is not.

[@pewterngold]

@@kelsosemail ....Hoover's reputation doesn't change the fact that he's still part of American history. Not a good part but that's the reality of the past.

[@the_nikster1]

yes! that was real footage from the march. it always gives me goosebumps. I love watching movies like this with you because it always puts me back into that space when I first watched and I feel like I'm watching again for the first time with a friend. I highly recommend you watch Malcolm X (1992) starring Denzel Washington and Angela Bassett. it's phenomenal and teaches you a lot about Malcolm and why he was so important for the black movement. thanks for another amazing reaction Cass ❤

[@eleashaghot]

Agreed! Malcolm X is a must watch.

[@nidh1109]

Yes it was real footage and I believe I recognised the famous singer shown singing on camera? Can't bring his name to mind at this moment.

[@the_nikster1]

@@nidh1109 it was Harry Belafonte

[@ThomasCorp]

I didn’t see this upon its initial release. Heard about it a fair amount, just never got around to seeing it until about a year ago now. I thought it was a marvelously well-done film. I’m pleased to see you’re reacting to it.

[@sjmeola]

I'm just loving the channel so much. I walk around the house saying "popcorn in bed" everyone asks what are you talking about ? The reactions are so genuine and I can somehow feel them as they happen. That has never happened with any other reaction movie site that I have watched. I hope to join paetreon in the upcoming days. Cassie I'm sure get this a lot but you are also beautiful and your inner light shines on every video. SJ

[@Nimzzeee]

Cassie you've got to watch Amistad. Please add it to the list. Spielberg, Mcconaughey, Morgan Freeman, Djimon Hounsou, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Anthony Hopkins etc etc

[@mannys4036]

Absolutely; Amistad is amazing.

[@stacytownsend8657]

I watched this with my mom. She actually remembers when her school had the first black student and getting rid of the segregated water fountain signs. It’s so crazy that this was within her lifetime.

[@erauprcwa]

Which shows that it wasn't that long ago in totality and the conversation on race in America, right now, is something that is long overdue.

[@Big_Bag_of_Pus]

Segregated facilities still happens in some places in the U.S. -- just without the signs.

[@jonhenry8268]

@bigbagofpus8441 and for some strange reason churches seem to be the most segregated, I find it odd that in the worship of God (who ever your God may be), we struggle to do that together.

[@Big_Bag_of_Pus]

@@jonhenry8268 True enough, but I was referring to e.g. public toilets black people aren't allowed to use, or convenience stores black people can't go into, etc.

[@jonhenry8268]

@@Big_Bag_of_Pus I understand . . .

[@A_Distant_Life]

I'm not sure if anyone has suggested Malcolm X yet, but it is excellent. Malcolm X was a great man that certain groups love to make a bad guy.

[@silverlobo2135]

Hello Cassie The 5 little Black girls coming down the stairs at the church were a depiction of the 4 little Black girls that died after 4 KKK members set off a bomb at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama on September 15, 1963. Though in this film, you can see a boy walking down with them, but then disappears right before the last row of stairs when the bomb goes off. Continuation flaw. The next scene was played by Oprah Winfrey (yes THAT Oprah). Blacks were given literacy tests and civics tests when registering to vote not just in Alabama or other Southern states, but also in southern states west of the Mississippi and all states south of the Mason-Dixon Line. This was just an example of how they were. There were even worse tests lasting well over an hour. Because it was a White person in charge, most were denied even if they would get it all or most of it correct. British actor Tim Roth plays Alabama Governor George Wallace (Secret member of the KKK). The actor that says "...if we are here truly for the people..."" is play the late Rep. John Lewis a follower of MLK and who died in 2020. You got to see the representation of where John got his permanent scar that he carries to his death from the march on Selma and the Ellis Pettius Bridge. Yes that was real footage of the march. You can even see Harry Belafonte marching. He is most famous for the "Day-O" song "Banana Boat Song" in "Beetlejuice".

[@RetroClassic66]

15:57 Yes! That’s actor Stephen Root, who played Milton Waddams in OFFICE SPACE (1999). He’s in many movies playing all kinds of characters.

[@keithmartin4670]

The 1982 film “Gandhi” tells about similar movements for civil rights in South Africa and in India. It’s notable at this point because King drew a great deal of inspiration from Gandhi and his methods.

[@Nethescurial95]

You should definitely watch Malcolm X (1992) by Spike Lee with Denzel Washington as Malcolm, as it shows a different side of the same struggle.

[@TabathaTMartin]

Yes the old film are the real footage. Salem Alabama still March every year of his birthday. I am proud to be an born Alabama. Today world we still have the old prejudice in our state . But they try but scared cause we fight back. Happy you watch the movie.

[@jbaker..3337]

The Color Purple will evoke more emotions out of you than any other movie ever will.

[@sup9542]

Mississippi Burning is another good civil rights movie to watch, starring Gene Hackman in a different type of role than you’ve seen him in.

[@porgyt7177]

A must watch

[@cinemeleon2808]

It's really not. It's depressing.

[@robpettigrew3308]

Nah. To many details wrong and made the wrong people heroes. It was a good movie despite that

[@porgyt7177]

@@cinemeleon2808 did you think Selma was a laugh riot? 😉

[@porgyt7177]

@@robpettigrew3308 I feel what you are saying, but it seems to me Cass doesn't care about the Fact of a film, leaning more towards the character development. It IS a well made movie, with some definite detail failings, for sure

[@tjgnkc]

This is very accurate to events that happened. Many civil rights deaths in a few years - Malcom X, Medgar Evers, MLK, JFK, Bobby Kennedy, Freedom Riders. I suggest the film Mississippi Burning, about 3 murdered civil rights workers. It stars Gene Hackman and Willem DeFoe.

[@osmanyousif7849]

Don’t forget All The Way and Cry Freedom.

[@zackk4969]

I went to Selma last year to see the bridge.

[@barryhickman6911]

Cassie, you need to watch "Mississippi Burning" for a further look back at the plight of blacks in the south back in the sixties!

[@ThesteelLion]

Ghosts of Mississippi is really good it's a little bit graphic in terms of language and racial slurs but Rob Reiner and the entire cast did an excellent job you should prepare yourself because they actually show the assassination of Medgar Evers

[@ribbitrebecca]

What a hard watch Cassie. I'm glad you did it, I'm weeping with you. So important to learn about this.

[@gracehinds6283]

You have a good heart, my dear. I wish there were more people like you. The world would be a better place.

[@stillfoufou]

This movie isn't talked about enough, I'm so glad you watched ❤️

[@AlexisLexLexi]

I was on this movie set, I had the opportunity to be in the Jimmy Lee funeral scene. When we stopped filming to reset the scene, David (MLK) broke out into a spontaneous prayer. It was incredible. So many emotions on that set. Great reaction! ✌🏽

[@Wezt334]

This only shows a fraction of the things that happened during the civil rights movement with the abuse of power in both the government and the people charged with the protection of all it’s citizens. The events of Selma took place nearly 58 years ago, in that time technology has progressed at an incredible pace yet looking at the events of the last 6 years alone how far can we say we’ve really progressed as a nation and a people.

[@bryce253]

I love that they also had the actor playing future Sen. John Lewis wearing the same color trench coat and clothes that he wore when he marched and was beaten during the March. They didn't have to point him out. They just let it play out like the actual event and as he described it.

[@JedHead77]

The recent series and film on Emmet Till are must sees.

[@jeffdicello9242]

This is one of the best edited movie reactions I have seen. I have never seen this film but despite this fact I was able to follow along without any problem.

[@df6957]

The actor who played MLK jr in this film was invited by MLK Jr's daughter to come and speak at the church where Martin used to preach. She said it was the closest that the current generation would get to hearing her father speak... On a personal level I hope I would have been one of those who joined the march, but I have to wrestle with the fact that the officer who shot the young man in the restaurant has the same family name as me... We all need to examine ourselves and our biases to make sure we don't allow ourselves to fall into the trap of bigotry and prejudice... Thanks for watching this film and for letting us share in your reaction to it. D

[@williamhillard1358]

Being from Atlanta and being old enough to seem many of these people alive and worked for some of them. This film was an honor to watch and remember what got them to places I knew them in

[@dig2341]

Thank you for watching this incredible film! I appreciate it when reactors watch films that aren't just the typical blockbusters.

[@peterramsay4674]

Ok here goes. I was 9 years old when JFK was assonated. The first political thing that I remember. Mom was crying and sobbing. I didn’t know why at first. All I knew was something big happened and it hurt my mom so I was terrified. She explained to me that bad things can happen to good people. A very big lesson at an early age. MLK was something else. He touched me in a way I never felt before. Here he was a preacher who was a flawed individual as we all are as human beings. Standing tall for all to see shedding a very bright light on this insidious legacy of bigotry and death to all who opposed them. I just kept thinking to myself I had a dad and mom and my countless mentors gave me a leg up. Unlimited opportunities just waiting for me . Why can’t all people be afforded these basic human rights. Big stuff for a young man to digest. The I have a dream speech is my kryptonite. From the time I heard it for the first time and understood what it meant I cannot hear it without crying. I’m not overly religious. It’s not religious per se but it’s organized religion that rubs me the wrong way. To this day I think that this march and what it represented and his speech about his dream of peace for all men and women of any race or religion I see the resemblance. Jesus was the architect of this movement and Martin was one of his angels he sent to earth to prepare him to take the mantle that culminated in the most important and beautiful speech I have ever heard in my life. His death was a tragedy although not to be unexpected. But like Jesus himself his legacy lives in all of us. We look for miracles in our lives. I got mine all those years ago and it has sustained me when times are tough. Martins whispering to me. Get up move forward one step at a time. Believe in the dream.

[@howardandrews9593]

That was one smart and powerful man. Look at all he has done, look at all that was schemed and done to try to stop him. Had to actually murder him to finally silence him. Way to go Cass, great selection and great reaction. He was a great man.

[@RetroClassic66]

Opinions on Dr. King and the movement during this time were vastly different. Some people admired him and supported the movement (such as the Nobel Committee), while others considered him a troublemaker and were strongly against the movement (such as J. Edgar Hoover & the FBI). It’s just like how people today hold noticeably different opinions about Colin Kaepernick, George Floyd, Trayvon Martin, and the Black Lives Matter movement. This is important to remember when people who otherwise have issues with Black liberation and the rights of Black people and other non- Caucasian ethnicities give lip service to Dr. King and his legacy. Many of these same people, had they lived during that time, would have considered Dr. King a troublemaker and not the honorable freedom fighter that he was.

[@BDUBZ49]

Cassie, at some point you should follow this up with Mississippi Burning (1988). Willem Dafoe, Gene Hackman, Frances McDormand and an incredible supporting cast, cinematography, musical score. Another Alan Parker gem.

[@NeptuneLady1957]

It’s decent but largely made up. My parents are from Philadelphia, MS (Neshoba County).

[@cinemeleon2808]

Wow. Is that all? Highlighting the cast and how great of a production it is, shows just how out-of-touch some people are. Smh.

[@BDUBZ49]

@@NeptuneLady1957 Regardless if it's made up or where your parents are from, it's a powerful, well-made film.

[@NeptuneLady1957]

@@BDUBZ49 I respect your opinion.

[@BDUBZ49]

@@NeptuneLady1957 I've read all the criticisms. I understand your point too.

[@cassiestewart2603]

My roommate Chiffon and I watched this movie together. We lived in Memphis where Dr King was unfortunately assassinated. I cried all the way through this film when we watched it, so much evil in the south in those days. Thank God for people like Dr. King and other civil rights leaders.

[@stevencolatrella3257]

So the Civil Rights Act of 1964 banned discrimination in work, and public accommodations like shops and transportation and in schooling. But it didn't provide voting rights, which had to wait for the 1965 Voting Rights Act which was passed largely because of the Selma protests. The church bombing was a real event, killing four little girls as a racist response to Dr. King's winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. The church was in Birmingham, Alabama.

[@shaomongoloid]

Denzel Washington played Malcom X in Spike Lee’s biopic of him. Probably Lee’s most important film. X’s complicated trajectory into activism and leadership makes for a more interesting than usual watch for the genre.

[@Xervello]

Kudos for releasing this reaction today!

[@jmurdock8303]

The fact that she didn't not know who Malcolm X was before watching this movie I find very sad. There's a lot of black history she needs to study especially if she wants to look at films like these. She may not want to because it's not pretty but it's better to stay informed.

[@nycarriapainter270]

I remember seeing this in theaters when it first came out and I was just so sad watching it.

[@doodlemastah]

I'd like to recommend Judas and the black messiah

[@martinboyle9163]

It's interesting to see a Canadian's take on this. Perhaps now you may understand better why U.S. History is one of the most hated mandatory subjects in high schools across our country. From The Seventh Calvary to the Klu Klux Klan, we've got plenty of Nazis of our own... (Despite this, we learn that those who do not study History are bound to repeat it...) Best to you-

[@pmophy17421]

It wasn't long enough ago indeed, and tragically it still is.

[@wrightfam9435]

It surprises me when people not black watch these movies they feel guilty you shouldn't thank you for doing this you are a strong woman

[@kendane2001]

Yes Cassie that was the mentality of the south. It didn’t matter how successful A black man was. He was still considered lower than the poorest white dirt farmer. Abuse was no different then striking stray dogs, or livestock. Both King, and Malcom were assasinated.

[@joewhitehead3]

There was actually a made-for-tv movie with the same story called “Selma, Lord, Selma” told from the perspective of a young girl from Selma

[@jamesrobertson2361]

Although I didn't live in the south as second grader our town refused service to black people. That year JFK was assassinated. In the third grade my father drove four hundred miles and rescued one of his black students from the Watts riots.This was the year the president sent more troops to Vietnam war. Some of my dads ex students began coming home in body bags. When I was in the sixth grade MLK was assassinated. Two months later RFK was assassinated. The innocence of childhood was lost on me. We can never go back.

[@montv291]

The guy you said looks familiar is from Get Out. He's the guy that gets kidnapped in the beginning.

[@Shazam961]

Another movie that deals with racism, but it's also a fine sports movie is " 42 " with the late Chadwick Boseman and Harrison Ford. It's the true story of Jackie Robinson ( Boseman ) and Branch Rickey ( Ford ) and how Robinson became the first black baseball player to play in the major league and Branch Rickey who was the one who discovered him and helped him through the difficult times ( the racism he faced and defeated) a fine movie with fantastic performances.

[@maryengleman7560]

John Lewis who was brutally beaten on the bridge in Selma, became a U.S. Representative for the state of Georgia. He served for over 2 decades and passed away last year.

[@chadbailey7038]

That’s the amazing thing about all of this in America. The unfairness. It’s all ‘baked in’. That’s why it’s so hard for us now, even in 2023… to make peace with each other. 😢. Great reaction 🫶🏾

[@BreMyselfAndii]

People love to say that black people need to forget and move on but keep in my grandmother was 18 years old when this was going on … we are still directly effected by this

[@trajan74]

We lost so many of the best leaders we ever had between 1960-1970. JFK in 63. Malcolm X in 65. MLK in 68. RFK in 68. Fred Hampton in 69. Everyone since then who has tried to step into their shoes has been a wannabe, an opportunist, a grifter, or a fool.

[@Big_Bag_of_Pus]

You forgot Medgar Evers.

[@chez520]

Thanks for reacting to this. And, yes, if you ever do a TV show, do The West Wing.

[@kelsosemail]

Oh wow! Cassie and The West Wing is a pretty great fit.

[@prettypinkpopsicle]

In the footage that was real (37:21), that was Harry Belafonte. He is a singer, actor and activist.

[@Switchblade_420]

I appreciate you watching this movie because Im from Selma Alabama and u watching this makes me happy

[@BlackHammer0891]

This has become tradition every year with me and my son( he promised tonight he’d continue it when I’m gone), This film is only going to get better with time. But we also need a big budget production of Thurgoods story, because that is the most harrowing thing I’ve ever read.

[@StephenLuke]

I watched this in African-American class and I know everything about the Selma march and everything else before and after the march. I also have the film on DVD.

[@clarkmichaels822]

An important theme in this movie, and the civil right's movement, and the idea of protest in general is that the people in power will always refuse to use their power to change society. Every person in power benefits from the status quo and will resist its change. Thats why LBJ kept saying the responsibility was with MLK, even though he was the president and he had the power to change the law. Only when it became untenable to keep the status quo did he acquiesce.

[@RockChalk263]

I feel like Cassie would really like "One Night in Miami"

[@ianlove1215]

Stars 2 great UK actors inlead roles. David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr. & Tom Wilkinson as President Johnson. If you want a real life story try: Secretariat or Miracle.

[@cinemeleon2808]

Also, Carmen Ejogo, who plays Coretta. Both her and David are British Nigerians.

[@paulnelson7525]

The sad thing is that this hatred still exists.

[@goyasolidar]

You should watch Mississippi Burning.

[@potterj09]

I never watched Selma myself. When I first saw Malcolm X at the video store in 1992 where I lived in Australia I thought it was a superhero film at the age of 11. My dad actually was a priest, he explained it to me & it was the first time he talked to me about America, their situation regarding segmented or maginalized peoples. Blew my mind. I grew up with native kids as my best friends, hanging out on weekends, fishing, hunting, sharing game with deep-friend potatoes from a local store. We looked different but no one card. 3 years later when I moved to Sydney, I met people to whom racism was common, & who had terrible shoe-box ways of thinking about it usually influenced from their parents. We are in 2023 in a time where people want to link racism one in the same with a concern with anyone who's religious views are looking to permanantly change the function of how the freedoms of a nation itself stands. This topic is completely separate to racial bias & anything race related, but there are people out there looking to tactically confuse the two, and to convert the west even if it takes many years.

[@loon-a-sea3872]

this all happened during my high school years. i remember interviewing george wallace for my school newspaper during his run for the presidency and i remember thinking what a evil, creepy person he was. love your passion when you watch these movies, you give me a little hope for the future.

[@RedlandsRedhead927]

I was in elementary. (In California.) Went into Jr High in '66. I found out about George Wallace later when he was running for president. Awful racist. I can imagine he was quite creepy. I just assume every American has heard of him and was surprised that Cassie didn't seem too. He's one of the most infamous Americans in my book.

[@keithmartin4670]

This film is an excellent look at a critical 2 years in the civil rights movement. In 1978 there was a TV miniseries (King, starring Paul Winfield and Cicely Tyson) which begins with Martin and Coretta as college students and ends in the autopsy room. So a lot of stories from before and after the events of this film.

[@joewhitehead3]

“We do not like J Edgar Hoover.” Then you probably wouldn’t be interested in watching the Clint Eastwood biopic about him

[@be.relentless]

I'm trying to find if Cassie has watched Blood Diamond, do ppl know if she has or hasn't?

[@Tim_Raths]

There’s a link to her Letterboxd in the About tab on the channel that shows the movies she watched before the channel. You could check there.

[@PaulArk]

Critical Race Theory has become such a politically charged topic in the U.S. these days, but the history of African Americans is a essential component of American history. That you reviewed such important movies like "Selma", "Glory" and "12 Years a Slave" is awesome, and has given you an awareness and understanding of history that unfortunately so many American still lack (or ignore)

[@brandonshepherd7477]

Poignant. Well said.

[@cinemeleon2808]

It's denial and dismissiveness. They're cowards who can not face truth, so they attempt to vilify anything that holds them accountable in regards to race and like to pretend their eyes don't see nor their ears hear what they do see and hear.

[@Big_Bag_of_Pus]

"Critical Race Theory" has become a catch phrase used by specific people who don't understand what it actually means, to refer to anything race-related that makes them uncomfortable.

[@BHolguin]

PLEASE PLEASE watch TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO SEVEN, written and directed by Aaron Sorkin (West Wing, A Few Good Men).

[@borntogazeintonightskies]

"Okay, 'Selma' is not his wife." 🤦‍♂️

[@RedlandsRedhead927]

LOL - Apparently this movie needed to be watched!

[@mikespalsbury8839]

I understand this is a first time watching channel, but would knowing even the simplest of American facts (i.e. Selma is a city in Alabama, and the symbolic mothership of the Civil Rights movement) be too much to ask? I'm glad she watched and was properly affected, but there is still so much more to learn.

[@Tj-ho2fs]

@@mikespalsbury8839 I think she’s Canadian.

[@cinemeleon2808]

@@mikespalsbury8839 Wtf do you know about Canada, the place that she is from? Americans truly think the world revolves around them, just like everyone from outside of the States say.

[@nickbham1]

I still find it amazing how, even in the UK I'll add, how differently we treated people just because they had different skin colour. I know problems still exist in the world but it has got a lot better and I hope we continue to improve as a planet.

[@MattsMovieReviews]

I remember watching Selma at a media screening. The power of this movie stil;l has an effect on me.