Introduction"Kings" is a 2017 drama film written and directed by Deniz Gamze Ergüven. The film is set in Los Angeles throughout the 1992 riots following the acquittal of four Los Angeles Police Department officers in the Rodney King case. The story centers on Millie (played by Halle Berry), a foster mother living in South Central Los Angeles who takes in children from different racial and ethnic backgrounds. Millie has a hard time to secure her foster kids in the midst of the mayhem that takes place from the riots. The film also stars Daniel Craig as Obie Hardison, a white recluse and war veteran who lives in the community, and who later on coordinate with Millie to challenge the intensifying violence.
PlotMillie, a strong-willed but caring African-American foster mom, looks after her eight foster children in a primarily black neighborhood in South Central Los Angeles. Her life revolves around keeping her family together and running her home, which she achieves with tough love and determination. Millie's children consist of a diverse mix of races and ages, and they are her world, as she tries to develop a caring and nurturing environment for them in the midst of rough times.
The city is currently on edge due to racial stress, going back to the arrest of Rodney King and the subsequent beating by LA law enforcement officer. When the officers are acquitted of any misdeed, violence erupts throughout the city, turning communities into war zones. As the riots intensify, Millie becomes significantly overloaded by the chaos and worry surrounding her and her household.
As their neighborhood burns and looters run widespread, Obie Hardison, a white loner and war veteran played by Daniel Craig, struggles to find his location in the beleaguered community. A former love interest of Millie, Obie is initially revealed to be something of a racist, however he discovers himself drawn into the predicament of Millie's household as Los Angeles comes down into anarchy.
The movie begins to interweave Millie and Obie's stories as their courses cross once again amidst the violence. In spite of their shallow differences, both characters share a desire for a much better life and a dedication to what they think is right, bringing them together in their mutual battle versus the wave of destruction challenging their community.
Themes and Symbolism"Kings" explores styles of racial tension, community, household characteristics, and the effect of violence on individuals and society as a whole. The film represents the complexity of American race relations while showcasing the durability and self-confidence of its characters in the face of unbearable turmoil. Millie's character represents the heart of the black neighborhood, combating to maintain stability and integrity amidst turmoil.
Several scenes in the movie are symbolic of the prevailing tensions. For instance, there is a striking scene of a young African-American kid worn a pristine, white bathrobe riding a bike through the dark and burning streets of LA. The visual juxtaposition highlights the innocence of the kids caught up in the mayhem, in addition to the disparity between the pure intentions of many in the community and the damaging force of the riots.
Reception"Kings" gotten combined reviews from critics, who applauded the efficiencies of Halle Berry and Daniel Craig but provided criticism for the movie's disjointed narrative and, sometimes, heavy-handed method to its themes. Some critics felt that the movie did not successfully portray the intricacy and depth of the issues it looked for to attend to. Despite these critiques, "Kings" stays an effective and thought-provoking expedition of racial stress, love, and survival in the face of hardship.
In conclusion, "Kings" is a compelling and timely film that confronts the systemic bigotry and violence that continue American society today, featuring strong performances from its lead stars. While it might not be an ideal representation of the turmoil and dispute caused by the 1992 LA riots, it nevertheless offers an important commentary on the strength of human spirit and the significance of forging connections in the middle of chaos.
Top Cast
