Rosewood (1997)

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Rosewood was released on February 21, 1997, in the USA. The American Drama film was produced by Warner Bros. The movie storyline was written by Gregory Poirier, and directed by John Singleton. The movie was made for a true tragedy of a burnt city in Florida[1].

Plot

In 1922, there was a wealthy town in Florida named Rosewood that was composed of African Americans. There are still few white families in there such as Mr. Wright (Jon Voight), owner of a grocery in the town. Mann rides into town and tries to bid for five acres of land owned by Mr. Wright. At the same time, there was a rumor that a black criminal just escaped and was said hiding in Rosewood city. In another scene, a white woman declares she was beaten by a black rapist who just invaded her home (the truth was she lies as she just got hit by her white darling)[2]. This causes white mob fury to Rosewood. When Rosewood citizens are told by the White Sheriff (Michael Rooker) that there are white people band to their city, some people decide to leave the city. Mann (Ving Rhames) leads women and children to flee using a train. While Sylvester Carrier (Don Cheadle) tries to protect the property and defends the city. As for Mr. Wright, he aids most African Americans to leave Rosewood from the violent assault[3]. In the end, some people finally can escape from the merciless onslaught still, 70 to 250 African Americans are killed during the tragedy.

Controversy

The film portrays how the racial hatred towards African Americans occurs, not only that but it shows class warfare. For instance, when little Everett plays with African American kids, his father goes angry and make him cry. Another scene of how strong the racism was at the time is shown when two black women know the truth of "raped white woman", they decided not to say the truth as they are too afraid of retaliation. [4].

References