Selma (2014)

Selma (2014) — a powerful, tightly focused historical drama — chronicles Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1965 campaign to secure equal voting rights with the epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Directed by Ava DuVernay, the film situates viewers in a tense, three‑month period of the civil rights movement: the aftermath of the Birmingham church bombing, local attempts by Black citizens to register to vote, confrontations with racist lawmen like Sheriff Jim Clark, and tense negotiations in Washington that culminate in the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Watching Selma you’ll experience a mix of intimate character moments and large, emotionally charged public events. The film balances speeches, strategy meetings and King’s personal doubts with visceral, often harrowing scenes of nonviolent protest and violent backlash — including arrests and the brutal suppression of marches. DuVernay’s direction emphasizes moral complexity and sacrifice, supported by a somber, urgent tone and strong performances, so viewers come away moved, unsettled, and more deeply aware of the courage, organization and political maneuvering behind one of America’s most consequential civil‑rights victories.

Actors: David Oyelowo, Carmen Ejogo, Oprah Winfrey

Director: Ava DuVernay

Runtime: 128 min

Genres: Biography, Drama, History

6.6 /10 79 /100 7.5 /10 7.3 /10