Film: Selma

I'm really impressed with Odeon. You may have read me rave on about their latest movie initiative, Screen Unseen, before. It allows film fans to watch highly anticipated films before their general release dates, with one catch - you don't know what you'll be watching until the film starts. This month I was lucky enough to watch Selma, which is due for release in UK cinemas on 6th February.

Selma chronicles part of the shocking true story of Dr Martin Luther King's fight to secure equal voting rights for black men and women in the United States. It's based on a particular fight for the right to vote that began in Selma, Alabama - an area where black citizens were, due to prejudice, being illegally denied the right to cast votes, despite a previous change in legislation that should have allowed it. And the work carried out there by Dr Martin Luther King, and his supporters, culminated in the historically famous, and bloody, marches from Selma to Montgomery and eventually resulted in the then President of the United States amending legislation to enable black citizens to register to vote without harassment.

This is a big story. And really, I saw only a very tiny chapter of a hugely important plight. Although I, of course, knew about Dr Martin Luther King from school, and was all too aware of the conclusion to his story, it was really interesting to see a part of what he fought for in more depth. It certainly made me want to go home and read more about what happened in Selma, along with the work he, and his team, carried out before and afterwards.

I wouldn't describe Selma as entertaining. It more felt like a story that had to be told. It was certainly harrowing in parts, and incredibly moving throughout, but to have lessened the horror would have been a disservice to the many victims of hate and ignorance in America at that time. David Oyelowo was excellent as Dr Martin Luther King, and I also particularly liked Tom Wilkinson as President Johnson. Both men were able to brilliantly capture the frustration and vulnerability that comes with being in positions of power, and reverence. And their scenes together were very strong.

Selma isn't a huge blockbuster with lots of special effects and big bangs, it's a true story that is quietly filled with passion, and an overriding sense of pride for the bravery of some, to try and benefit many others. I might not have chosen to watch it at the cinema had it not been for Odeon's Screen Unseen, but I'm so glad I did.

Will you catch Selma when it comes out in cinemas? Seen any other good movies recently?