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The Problem of the Hero

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1:34

The Problem of the Hero

2023

1h 24m

Drama

History

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Popcornmeter

94%

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16 Reviews

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

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.

Victoria Luxford

D Movies

It’s not perfect from a cinematic perspective... However, as a theological discussion committed to film, The Problem Of The Hero leaves an impression that will last for days after watching.

Rated: 4/5

May 12, 2025

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Emilie Black

Cinema Crazed

The Problem with the Hero is a decent film that ends up being a bit frustrating as it never seems to elevate itself beyond something decent, beyond a passable film that folks will watch at random and forget within a day.

Apr 7, 2025

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Pramit Chatterjee

Digital Mafia Talkies

The way Shaun Dozier, along with cinematographer Steve Milligan and production designer Kendra Archer, explores every nook and cranny of a theater and uses those places to create dynamic backdrops for its dialogue-heavy scenes is simply brilliant.

Rated: 4.5/5

Mar 31, 2025

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Romey Norton

Film Focus Online

The Problem of the Hero is more than a historical drama, it’s a meditation on who gets to tell stories, how art shapes social consciousness, and the uneasy alliances that form in the fight for progress. Thought-provoking and impeccably acted.

Rated: 3.5/5

Mar 30, 2025

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Amber Wilkinson

Eye for Film

The film, directed by feature debutant Shaun Dozier, retains the density of dialogue you might expect from a stage play but, by leaning into the theatrical nature of the proceedings, Dozier is in some ways able to make this into a virtue.

Rated: 3.5/5

Mar 30, 2025

Full Review

Surya Komal

Just for Movie Freaks

The Problem of the Hero is more than just a historical drama—it is a meditation on creative freedom, racial representation, and the responsibilities of storytellers.

Rated: 3.25/5

Mar 28, 2025

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Shaun Dozier

Director

J. Mardrice Henderson

Richard Wright

David Zum Brunnen

Paul Green

Charlie Cannon

Orson Welles

Lex Wilson

Walter Ash

Derrick Ivey

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The Problem of the Hero: Trailer 1

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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, 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

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