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I am not your negro

Play trailer 2:00 Poster for I am not your negro PG-13 Released Feb 3, 2017 1h 35m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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99% Tomatometer 212 Reviews 83% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
In 1979, James Baldwin wrote a letter to his literary agent describing his next project, "Remember This House." The book was to be a revolutionary, personal account of the lives and assassinations of three of his close friends: Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. At the time of Baldwin's death in 1987, he left behind only 30 completed pages of this manuscript. Filmmaker Raoul Peck envisions the book James Baldwin never finished.
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Critics Consensus

I Am Not Your Negro offers an incendiary snapshot of James Baldwin's crucial observations on American race relations -- and a sobering reminder of how far we've yet to go.

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Critics Reviews

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Amelia Ayrelan Iuvino Bitch Media It's an undeniably excellent film and a much-needed tribute to both Baldwin and the racial politics of the 1960s and ʼ70s... The only shortcoming of Peck's film is its almost complete erasure of Baldwin's homosexuality. Feb 18, 2021 Full Review Linda Marric The London Economic Its themes are as important today as they were yesterday, especially in the current climate of radical right-wing ideas and racist sentiment sweeping Trump's America. Rated: 5/5 Jul 31, 2020 Full Review Bilge Ebiri Spirituality & Health Baldwin's fury and his despair come through in vivid fashion, making this film not just an important social document, but an essential work of art. Mar 23, 2020 Full Review Don Shanahan Every Movie Has a Lesson This outstanding and informative film presents Baldwin’s musings alongside sobering imagery of both the turbulent history of the era and parallel occurrences of modern racial unrest that echo the same violence, inequality, anger, and sorrow. Rated: 5/5 Sep 4, 2023 Full Review Erick Estrada Cinegarage I Am Not Your Negro avoids gratuitous lamentation both in form and substance. [Full review in Spanish] May 16, 2023 Full Review Michael Cuby them. Though it may limit discussion of Baldwin’s sexuality to a singular passing reference, the 2017 documentary still offers an essential and compelling peek into one of our nation’s most impressive minds. Oct 3, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Patricia James Baldwin very thoughtfully and powerfully described what life means for him as a black person in the United States. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/20/23 Full Review Amulet17 This is a powerful and articulate film that will stir the heart of anyone with a passion for social justice. Its raw and if you are open its likely to pierce your conscience or make you more conscious or both. Yay for James Baldwin Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 08/21/22 Full Review Petros T The text is James Baldwin's own, and it is effectively paired with archive material (including aptly placed newer footage) that match and expand upon it. Both the audio and the visuals speak for themselves; he is evidently articulate and captivating, and American history is doubtlessly full of tragedy and injustice - to this day. Samuel L. Jackson does a great job with the narration, however his recognizable voice and the fact that he doesn't sound at all like Baldwin are a little distracting. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 10/24/23 Full Review Georgios M This is a slow film and without any entertainment value. However, its deep insights on American culture and history render it a must-watch. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 06/11/23 Full Review Samir P all americans should see this, specially white people. this is the only way you will save america and wake up--that is--if you really listen. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/13/23 Full Review sean m One of the best movies I have seen. There is not a single thing that this film sets out to accomplish that it does not execute to perfection. I am so grateful that the makers of this film have provided such a powerful medium for James Baldwin's voice to speak through the ages. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis In 1979, James Baldwin wrote a letter to his literary agent describing his next project, "Remember This House." The book was to be a revolutionary, personal account of the lives and assassinations of three of his close friends: Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. At the time of Baldwin's death in 1987, he left behind only 30 completed pages of this manuscript. Filmmaker Raoul Peck envisions the book James Baldwin never finished.
Director
Raoul Peck
Producer
Rémi Grellety, Raoul Peck, Hébert Peck
Screenwriter
Raoul Peck, James Baldwin
Distributor
Magnolia Pictures, Amazon Studios
Production Co
RTBF, Arte France, Velvet Film, Close Up Films, Artemis Productions, RTS - Radio Télévision Suisse
Rating
PG-13 (Disturbing Violent Images|Brief Nudity|Language|Thematic Material)
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Feb 3, 2017, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
May 2, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA)
$7.1M
Runtime
1h 35m
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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