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The Problem of the Hero

Play trailer 1:34 Poster for The Problem of the Hero 2023 1h 24m Drama History Play Trailer Watchlist
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In March of 1941, at the St. James Theatre in New York, two 20th century literary giants, ground breaking author Richard Wright and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green collaborate to adapt Wright's best-selling book, Native Son, into a Broadway play. Days from opening night, they differ over a single page of the script. The difference of opinion evolves into a spirited contention over issues of race, social justice, politics, and personal and creative agency. The argument threatens to dissolve their friendship.

Critics Reviews

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Dennis Harvey 48 Hills There are some weighty entries this year, such as Shaun Dozier’s The Problem of the Hero—which dramatizes the conflicts that arose over staging Richard Wright’s searing race-relations novel Native Son on Broadway 80-odd years ago... Feb 14, 2024 Full Review Federico Furzan Movie-Blogger.com The Problem of the Hero is a thought-provoking film that uses a clash between artistic visions to make you think about conflicts our current society is quite familiar with. Rated: 4/5 Jan 18, 2024 Full Review Ronak Kotecha ronakkotecha.wordpress.com The Problem of the Hero decidedly stands in a unique space of its own. Rated: 4/5 Dec 27, 2023 Full Review Tony Asankomah GhMovieFreak While it may require patience due to its dialogue-heavy nature and deliberate pacing, it offers a profound exploration of vital themes such as race, cultural appropriation, and creative agency.  Rated: 6.5/10 Nov 3, 2023 Full Review Alejandro Turdó Hoy Sale Cine The Problem of the Hero is an interesting journey through a minimal story that most people may not know much about. But does a solid work shining a light over two figures whose ideas about white privilege, racism and American history are still relevant. Rated: 7/10 Sep 11, 2023 Full Review Rudie Obias Battle Royale With Cheese Although The Problem of the Hero is enthralling, captivating, and effective at times, it feels like an overall homage to Richard Wright—pulling from his works like Native Son (both the novel and play) and White Man and Black Man. Sep 4, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

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The Problem of the Hero

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Movie Info

Synopsis In March of 1941, at the St. James Theatre in New York, two 20th century literary giants, ground breaking author Richard Wright and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green collaborate to adapt Wright's best-selling book, Native Son, into a Broadway play. Days from opening night, they differ over a single page of the script. The difference of opinion evolves into a spirited contention over issues of race, social justice, politics, and personal and creative agency. The argument threatens to dissolve their friendship.
Director
Shaun Dozier
Producer
Ayana Johnson
Screenwriter
James A. Hodge, Ian Finley
Distributor
Buffalo 8
Production Co
EbzB Productions
Genre
Drama, History
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 28, 2025
Runtime
1h 24m