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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100%

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17 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.

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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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Vassilis Kroustallis

High on Films

Far from a flawless film (some of the scenes border on the repetitive), ‘The Problem of Hero’ is never an uninteresting film and tunes in to offer a spectrum of options on marginalized identities and their literary/cinematic treatment.

Rated: 60/100

Mar 27, 2025

Full Review

Victor Pineyro

Seventh Art Studio

A sharp, intimate drama about creative control and racial identity. Set in one night at a theater, it explores privilege, authorship, and respect through gripping dialogue and stellar performances. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 8/10

Mar 24, 2025

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Shaun Dozier

Director

J. Mardrice Henderson

Richard Wright

David Zum Brunnen

Paul Green

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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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