First the PSA. The movie “Fences” will potentially trigger the heck out of you. Okay. So, I went to see “Fences” about a week ago. It is one of ten of August Wilson’s plays set in Pittsburgh depicting black life and the black family. And, his first play (which won a Pulitzer Prize I must add) to make it to the big screen. It is an amazingly acted and directed movie receiving several nominations at the 2017 Golden Globes and I have no doubt at the upcoming Oscars. All did a wonderful job. Denzel Washington’s “Wow! He’s dialogue is endless.” acting and directing was superb. I’m glad they waited until he was ready to direct the film. He was also very influential in making sure most of the same cast in the play also participated in the movie. Hence, connection, perfection, and chemistry. And, you know Viola Davis, who deservedly won the 2017 Golden Globe for Supporting Actress in “Fences” ALWAYS brings it by capturing the dramatic essence of any scene bonused with the ugly snot cry. I’m sure they did August Wilson proud with this fine production.
But, I’m here to tell you the movie can potentially trigger and depress the heck out of you. Parts of the movie resonated with me so much so even I was triggered. I was moved to tears (milliseconds from the introduction of snot), anger, and various other “you lucky I’m about this forgiving life” feelings. There are so MANY bobbing and weaving dysfunctional storylines to the detriment of the Black (actually any family) family and relationships in general. Oh, but the lessons are abundantly priceless. The biggest is what happens to the spirit when dreams are unrealized. How it can negatively affect everyone within earshot. And, what loving and forgiving looks like in spite of. Although you may want to hate Troy with his ferocious tough love and untamed ego, he is appreciated for dropping one nugget after the next of profound lessons. A bruised man indeed. But, still a gifted man who said “Don’t you try and go through life worrying about if somebody like you or not. You best be making sure they doing right by you.”
Surprisingly the most humane and loving parts of the movie was the nurturing and love shown to Gabriel and THE child. Don’t get me wrong. There was lots of pain, but there were also innocent, beautiful and forgiving blessings of love. It is totally worth experiencing.
After you deep feel “Fences”, go directly next door (Do not pass go.) to door #2 and experience “Hidden Fences”. (DOH! We found out that even 🎶Because I’m happyyyyy…🎶Pharrell can give a “no you didn’t” side eye.) What I mean is “Hidden Figures”. Back in the day double feature time is encouraged. You’ll need the beauty, inspiration, hope, faith, love, and “Black Girls Rock” fierceness to restore the heart back to beating with the richness of joy, hope, courage, and LOVE.
To think I had no clue of this incredible story of not just three, but dozens of dynamic Black women (the West Computers) who set NASA on FIYAH and straight to the moon and back (Literally Katherine Johnson was instrumental in getting that vessel back to earth safely.). They were everyday women who reached extraordinary heights. Bravo to Taraji Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe. YAAASSS to Mahershala Ali. And, Kevin Costner could do no wrong in my heart.
“Hidden Figures” allowed Black people to do what “Fences” didn’t. And, that was to SoulFULLY SOAR! “Fences” provided the necessary backdrop of life’s intricacies. “Hidden Figures” then took off from there showing what happens when you shut down the negative noise (Because, I imagine they too dealt with life’s flaws.) and allow one’s God given gifts to shine and breathe life to one’s self and our world. It’s about courage, faith, perseverance, God’s divine order, and that good good “I got your back” love. Both movies served their purposes for shining a much needed light on life’s lessons and blessings.
With that said, I encourage you to love someone today in all of their perfections and imperfections. Forgive someone today. Allow someone to be free today. Be a cheerleader for someone today. Extend the same to you today for you are deserving of your unconditional love. Believe today. Have faith today. Be courageous today. Pray today. Bring your hopes and dreams to life today and beyond. At least one for starters. Promise!?! And, BeDoLove today and ALWAYS!!! Peace! Namaste! #BeDoLove #SupportTheArts #BlackIsBeautiful #BlackLivesMatter
PS: “Moonlight” WINS the 2017 Golden Globe for Best Drama, Motion Picture. I see a triple feature in your future. This is what happens when hearts and minds are open and free! Enjoy!
“Fences” – The Plot: Troy Maxson (Denzel Washington) makes his living as a sanitation worker in 1950s Pittsburgh. Maxson once dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player, but was deemed too old when the major leagues began admitting black athletes. Bitter over his missed opportunity, Troy creates further tension in his family when he squashes his son’s (Jovan Adepo) chance to meet a college football recruiter.
“Hidden Figures” – The Plot: Three brilliant African-American women at NASA — Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe) — serve as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn (Glen Powell) into orbit, a stunning achievement that restored the nation’s confidence, turned around the Space Race and galvanized the world.
Fences – http://m.imdb.com/title/tt2671706/videoplayer/vi1272624665?ref_=m_tt_ov_vi
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fences_(film)
Troy’s Tough Love – https://www.google.com/amp/www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/01/denzel-washington-fences-exclusive-clip/amp?client=safari
Denzel Interview – https://www.google.com/amp/www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/60-minutes-denzel-washington-august-wilson-plays/?client=safari
Story regarding the play “Fences” coming to the screen – https://www.google.com/amp/www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-fences-august-wilson-20161215-story,amp.html?client=safari
“Hidden Figures” Trailer: https://youtu.be/RK8xHq6dfAo
“Hidden Figures” – https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hidden_Figures
About “Hidden Figures – http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/forgotten-black-women-mathematicians-who-helped-win-wars-and-send-astronauts-space-180960393/
Jenna’s “Hidden Figures” Blunder – http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/jenna-bush-hager-apologizes-for-hidden-fences-blunder-at-golden-globes-w459989
“Moonlight” Golden Globe wonderful backstage interview: https://youtu.be/FVQpykUlavA.
Two great “Moonlight” articles:
“Moonlight” Trailer: https://youtu.be/2gCc6kGpXdw
BeDoLove 
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