Killers of the Flower Moon: 7 titles that explore systemic injustice and discrimination in the US

Over the years, American history has been the subject of several films and TV shows – showcasing events that shaped the nation’s rise to global power. From tales of World War II, early settlers and the War of Independence, the era of gunslingers and outlaws, and the rise of the digital age, Hollywood has captured America’s role in some of the most pivotal moments in human history. However, the Western nation is also guilty of several dark historical moments involving systemic racism and discrimination of multiple forms – often unspeakable atrocities and crimes. While most American films and TV shows often feature the nation’s glorified past, there are few such as Wind River that explore some of its darkest aspects. For today’s List Hai Toh Hit Hai podcast, we take a look at films like Killers of the Flower Moon, based on true events, that explore the dark history of the US, involving systemic injustice, abuse, and discrimination.

The Trial of the Chicago 7 - Netflix

The 2020 legal drama The Trial of the Chicago 7 is directed by Aaron Sorkin, who is best known for writing iconic films such as A Few Good Men and The Social Network. The film is set in 60s America when a group of seven individuals, protesting against the Vietnam War, are charged by the Federal government for allegedly attempting to incite a riot. The film examines how the US government attempted aggressively to clamp down on dissent at a time when the leaders of the state were under intense scrutiny for their handling of the Vietnam War. The film stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Sacha Baron Cohen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Keaton, Eddie Redmayne, Mark Rylance, and Jeremy Strong among others in prominent roles.

When They See Us - Netflix

Ava DuVernay’s heart-breaking mini-series When They See Us, is a tragic true story about a severe miscarriage of justice that resulted in five Black teenagers being sent to prison for a crime they did not commit. The story of the ‘Central Park 5’ sent shockwaves across the US for several reasons over the years – outrage for the heinous crime and for sending innocent teenagers to jail. The series examines systemic racism and racial profiling that enabled NYPD detectives to convict innocents.The acclaimed series features outstanding performances by Jharrel Jerome, Caleel Harris, Jovan Adepo, Asante Blackk, Michael K. Williams, Joshua Jackson, Logan Marshall-Green, Blair Underwood, and Vera Farmiga among others

Spotlight - Amazon Prime VOD, Google Play, Apple TV VOD

The 2015 film Spotlight is an investigative drama based on the real-life events transpiring from Boston Globe’s investigation into allegations of sexual abuse by Catholic priests in a parish in Boston. While the film may not be a story about discrimination, it certainly is one about the injustice and abuse of power. The Tom McCarthy directorial won an Academy Award for Best Picture, featuring a star-studded ensemble of Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber, Stanley Tucci, and Billy Crudup.

Do the Right Thing - Amazon Prime VOD

Director Spike Lee plays the lead in his 1989 directorial Do the Right Thing. Set in Brooklyn, New York, the film focuses on the racial and cultural segregation between the Italian Americans and the Black community in the area. When a local Italian pizzeria in a Black neighbourhood refuses to put up pictures of black actors instead of Italian-American actors, it creates tension between the two communities, underlying America’s issues surrounding the deep-rooted racial divide. Giancarlo Esposito, John Turturro, Samuel L. Jackson, Rosie Perez, and Martin Lawrence play prominent roles in this film.

Amistad - Amazon Prime VOD, Apple TV VOD

Set in 1839, the Steven Speilberg film Amistad tells the true story of the trial that determined whether a ship full of black slaves were legally free. The story follows the revolt aboard a Spanish slave ship, La Amistad, as the slaves take control. However, their efforts to navigate back home are in vain as misfortune sends them to Long Island where a court must decide whether they are legally free. The film stars Djimon Hounsou, Morgan Freeman, Anthony Hopkins, Matthew McConaughey, Pete Postlethwaite, and Stellan Skarsgård among others in prominent roles.

Marshall - Amazon Prime VOD, Google Play, Apple TV VOD

The late Chadwick Boseman plays the lead in the biographical legal drama Marshall. Boseman essays the role of Thurgood Marshall, who would go on to become the first Black Supreme Court Judge of the United States. The film puts racial prejudice under the microscope as it follows the case of a Black man who is wrongly accused of sexually assaulting a White woman. Directed by Reginald Hudlin, the film features performances from Josh Gad, Kate Hudson, Dan Stevens, Sterling K. Brown, and James Cromwell in prominent roles.

Till - Prime Video

Tales of the notorious supremacist far-right organisation, Ku Klux Klan, lynching people of colour in southern states of America have become long forgotten. While the Klan might not hold the same notoriety as they did during their heyday in the 19th century, their ideas sustained even in post-World War II America. The 2022 film Till tells the tragic true story of the relentless efforts of Mamie Till, on her quest for justice for her 14-year-old son Emmett who was lynched by perpetrators of hate. Danielle Deadwyler slips into the role of Mamie Till in this Chinonye Chukwu directorial.

Well that's all we got for this episode, until the next one it's your host Nikhil signing out.

Aaj kya dekhoge Ottplay se poocho

Written by Ryan Gomez

Listen to more OTTplay List Hai Toh Hit Hai podcasts on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.