The pacing was odd and some of the edits were jarring, but the story was interesting, important, and sadly still relevant today. It is a piece of modern history that folks need to know about now.
45 Reviews
Makes me want to read the book
heflinbailey6 February 2021
An aded perspective to the Civil Rights Movement
vitruviafitness19 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I've been eagerly anticipating seeing this historical drama for a long while now.
It shines a light on a different component of the Civil Rights Movement and era- one that has been frequently overlooked, yet is just as worthy of being highlighted and explored.
There are some genuine and quality components to the film. But also things missing from it. It was a good film, which could have been great, and a game changer.
Cinematography is lovely- it showcases the contrast between the tranquil beauty of the natural landscape with the tumultuous events occuring upon it. The filters, lighting and camera angles support the sensibility of the period.
The languid steel guitar soundtrack really takes the audience to the place and time ( 1961 Montgomery Alabama) The score is subtle yet effective, and supports the dramatic unfolding of events in the story. It does not overwhelm the audience with being too loud , distracting or bombastic.
The use of period postcards and historic news reel clips add to the feeling of reliving through those tenuous times.
All actors deliver, but the directing hand needs to supply more sensitized steering for his cast & crew.
.There are no solid subplots developed, and the
secondary characters plead to be more fleshed out.
Pregnant pauses between characters llines stilt the dialog. Lead actor Lucas Till inhabits well the character of Bob Zellner and seems comfortable in his title role. But his internal emotional process is 1 note. I was longing for a more fulfilling and noticeable arc of development and growth from within him.
Too many characters (mostly historical) are introduced with no resolution-
Loose ends left floating around.
The rhthym and pacing of story development is disjointed. iI felt it peaked way too soon, which leaves the ending feeling anti- climactic. I was left hanging with the sense of " Wait-That's it"????"
It also inadvertently ( and unfortunately) gives off a hint of a" white savior" tone.
The story of a young white Southern man who left his long line of family Klansmen to join the Civil Rights Movement- it could have really brought a whole new light to the those times and events. But I did not feel it was a balanced delivery. It is Bob Zellner's story, which is fine. The bulk of the plot can and should still be about his journey. It is Bob's story as well as the journey of the African American historical figures.
But the lack of character development in the African American characters, as well as in his ( Zellner's character) lacking in an emotional arc of growth- really make the film's essence lopsided. The take away umphhhh is not there to the level I was craving.
It is still a film worth seeing. One definitely escapes to the past for a couple of hours. And there is still an uptick at the end. It just could have a much broader spectrum in the effectiveness of its delivery ,and in its impact on the viewer- both individually and collectively. Yet I learned much from this film and feel better informed and more aware from seeing it.
Son of the South Review
theredsky3 March 2021
I feel somewhat the same towards this film as I did to last years The Last Full Measure with the main similarity being that it's heart is in the right place but it doesn't do a lot to distinguish itself. The message of this film is inspiring but it's a message that's told in most films relating to the Civil Rights Era. The performances were all around decent. There was one bad performance but most everyone else did a good job with what they were given. The script is okay at best. Like I said, the script doesn't do enough to make this film stand out and the dialogue is mediocre at best but not terrible. In terms of cinematography and music, it's average. Nothing special about the music or the way the film is shot. There really isn't too much to say since it doesn't do a lot for me. It's got a good string foundation that just doesn't build off of it that well. Check this out if you're interested in the subject matter but you could probably pass on this one.
Interesting and faithful depiction of some Civil Rights issues of the 1960s.
TxMike26 April 2021
As I write this the IMDb rating is "5.3" and it appears that relatively few have seen it. Almost 15% of the few votes are "1" presumably from the white supremacists who downvote any movie that depicts activity for human rights. The mean is "6" and the median is "7" which are much more reasonable evaluations.
The main character is Bob Zellner, a young white Alabama activist for Civil Rights in 1961. The movie is based on his book written from his own experiences. The sad part is that now, 60 years later, we are still dealing with many of the same issues in small pockets all over the USA. Most seem to still be somewhere in the South. It is always jarring when we hear of yet another white supremacist, now often females, who attack people of color. The prevalence of phones with video cameras to record such incidents make them better known all over.
Anyway the subject is always hard to see but this movie does justice to the times and the racial struggles. I was in high school in the South in 1961. My wife and I watched it at home on DVD from our public library.
The main character is Bob Zellner, a young white Alabama activist for Civil Rights in 1961. The movie is based on his book written from his own experiences. The sad part is that now, 60 years later, we are still dealing with many of the same issues in small pockets all over the USA. Most seem to still be somewhere in the South. It is always jarring when we hear of yet another white supremacist, now often females, who attack people of color. The prevalence of phones with video cameras to record such incidents make them better known all over.
Anyway the subject is always hard to see but this movie does justice to the times and the racial struggles. I was in high school in the South in 1961. My wife and I watched it at home on DVD from our public library.
Spike Lee
yusufpiskin22 April 2021
Well, what are you doing all the way down here?
Trying to find out where they buried freedom, brother.
What are you doing here!?
An inspiring film that reminds us all that anyone can be a hero. Truly moving. The film we all need right now!
Trying to find out where they buried freedom, brother.
What are you doing here!?
An inspiring film that reminds us all that anyone can be a hero. Truly moving. The film we all need right now!
Lucas and Bob
SnoopyStyle26 December 2021
It's the summer of '61. College student Bob Zellner (Lucas Till) decides to talk to Rosa Parks for a school paper on race relations. It starts him down the road to the civil rights fight and self discovery.
This movie starts with Bob getting hung from a tree. Next, he jumping to talk to Rosa Parks. Before all that, the movie should introduce the audience to Bob himself. He comes off as unnecessarily clueless. Part of that is Lucas Till and his model good looks. He seems to fit more on a Californian beach. He's also not showing enough shock. Lucas has a tendency to seem above it all. This is a biopic of a real life person. I have to assume that there is some reality to the performance. The short reel of the real Bob gives off a slightly different vibe except when he's confronting Doc in that one scene. I do find the portrayal of ingrained racism of that time and place very compelling. I'm fascinated with his relationship to his grandfather. I wish for more of the father son relationship. I absolutely believe that Lucas Till is white. I'm just not sure if he's Bob.
This movie starts with Bob getting hung from a tree. Next, he jumping to talk to Rosa Parks. Before all that, the movie should introduce the audience to Bob himself. He comes off as unnecessarily clueless. Part of that is Lucas Till and his model good looks. He seems to fit more on a Californian beach. He's also not showing enough shock. Lucas has a tendency to seem above it all. This is a biopic of a real life person. I have to assume that there is some reality to the performance. The short reel of the real Bob gives off a slightly different vibe except when he's confronting Doc in that one scene. I do find the portrayal of ingrained racism of that time and place very compelling. I'm fascinated with his relationship to his grandfather. I wish for more of the father son relationship. I absolutely believe that Lucas Till is white. I'm just not sure if he's Bob.
Son of the south
DogePelis201522 October 2021
Important cause and well-intended, but the movie sadly is subpar on every level
paul-allaer6 February 2021
"Son Of the South" (202o release; 105 min.) is "Based On a True Story" we are reminded. As the film opens. it is "1961, Combs, Mississippi" and it looks like the protagonist (Bob Zellner) is about to be hung by an angry mob of white guys. We then go to "5 Months Earlier", when we are in Montgomery, AL. Zellner and several other seniors of the local college are doing their senior thesis on race relations, and want to interview Rosa Parks, who just 5 years earlier started the Mongomery Bus Boycott. Word gets around what Zellner is doing, and before you know it, the local college wants to expel him. Meanwhile the Freedome Riders, led by John Lewis, are approaching Montgomery in a Greyhound bus... At this point we are less than 15 min. into the movie.
Couple of comments: this is written and directed by Barry Alexander Brown, a frequent collaborator of Spike Lee, who himself Executive-Produced this. The script is based on Beb Zellner's autobiograhy "The Wrong Side of Murder Creek". Let me state upfron that the movie addresses vitally important social and human rights issues, which I fully support of course. But does that make it a good movie to watch? Alas, it does not. Almost from the get-go, the movie feels awkwardly staged and unnatural, and you can almost see and feel the director going "and... ACTION!". Lucas Till plays the grown up Bob, and Brian Dennehy has a small role as Bob's grandfather and Klansman. At no time does the movie convey the massive societal and social changes that vibrate through the South and the rest of the country, and at no time did I feel any connection to the characters in the film, be it the good guys or the bad guys. One of the key scenes of the film is the violence that awaits the Freedom Riders in Montgomery. What should've been a shocking scene, felt like a Broadway stage play instead. I will admit that I struggled making it through the end of the film, but I did. Bottom line, though, is that there are far better movies out there dealing with these topics. For starters, check out the recent documentary "MLK/FBI", last year's documentary "John Lewis: Good Trouble", and of course the outstanding "Selma" of a few years ago, among many others.
"Son of the South" premiered at last summer's American Black Film Festival, and the movie opened this weekend in select theaters (and also on VOD). The Friday early evening screening where I saw this at was attended so-so (5 people to be exact, including myself), which is par for the course for theatrical releases as the pandemic rages on. The rest of the theater complex resembled a ghost town. I don't know how these theaters can operate profitably. Meanwhile, if you have any interest in the civil rights movement of the early 60s, and as long as you keep your expectations low, I'd suggest you check ou "Son of the South", be it in the theater (if you still can), on VOD, or eventually on DVD/Blu-ray, and draw your own conclusion.
Couple of comments: this is written and directed by Barry Alexander Brown, a frequent collaborator of Spike Lee, who himself Executive-Produced this. The script is based on Beb Zellner's autobiograhy "The Wrong Side of Murder Creek". Let me state upfron that the movie addresses vitally important social and human rights issues, which I fully support of course. But does that make it a good movie to watch? Alas, it does not. Almost from the get-go, the movie feels awkwardly staged and unnatural, and you can almost see and feel the director going "and... ACTION!". Lucas Till plays the grown up Bob, and Brian Dennehy has a small role as Bob's grandfather and Klansman. At no time does the movie convey the massive societal and social changes that vibrate through the South and the rest of the country, and at no time did I feel any connection to the characters in the film, be it the good guys or the bad guys. One of the key scenes of the film is the violence that awaits the Freedom Riders in Montgomery. What should've been a shocking scene, felt like a Broadway stage play instead. I will admit that I struggled making it through the end of the film, but I did. Bottom line, though, is that there are far better movies out there dealing with these topics. For starters, check out the recent documentary "MLK/FBI", last year's documentary "John Lewis: Good Trouble", and of course the outstanding "Selma" of a few years ago, among many others.
"Son of the South" premiered at last summer's American Black Film Festival, and the movie opened this weekend in select theaters (and also on VOD). The Friday early evening screening where I saw this at was attended so-so (5 people to be exact, including myself), which is par for the course for theatrical releases as the pandemic rages on. The rest of the theater complex resembled a ghost town. I don't know how these theaters can operate profitably. Meanwhile, if you have any interest in the civil rights movement of the early 60s, and as long as you keep your expectations low, I'd suggest you check ou "Son of the South", be it in the theater (if you still can), on VOD, or eventually on DVD/Blu-ray, and draw your own conclusion.
Inspiring !
rbpnyc-747817 February 2021
Well acted, shot and executed. Found this film to be very insightful take of the Civil Rights Movement. Timely and poignant today as it was in the early 60's. And thankfully, not a 'white savior' story. Bob Zellner needed saving and went through hell getting there, making quite an impact on not only Civil Rights but human rights.
Entertaining but....
mycannonball2 November 2021
I would have preferred if it were more serious. There are moments in the movie that felt like should have been more meaningful but the quirky comedy of it took away from that. However, that WAS the intentional tone of it, and I'll admit that it makes the story elements more palatable. It can be very difficult to watch things about the history of racial injustice in this country, and by making it irreverently comedic, it makes it easier to watch. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing though. It also ended kind of abruptly.
Missed opportunity, more like a cliche cartoon
Tcarts768 February 2021
This one has some in the ing decent cast that should have made this a much better story. Instead what we got is more like a cliche cartoon. All of the characters are so plastic it is ridiculous. If they wanted to make a poinant story it needs mch better performances, some grit, and can't be a 1960's cliche production. That completely blew anything dexent I was hoping to see. I was disappointed.
Stellar performances and a unique perspective on historical events
thethistlegirl5 February 2021
A gripping and compelling story with acting that went above and beyond to do justice to the intensity and emotion of this film. Lucas Till delivered a truly outstanding performance and Bob Zellner, and the entire cast brought their best to create a film I will definitely be watching again and again.
I found the perspective of this film to be uniquely important in a time when it's easy to judge each other's politics by appearance. We need more stories that prove that it's a person's character, not their family, their background, or their skin color, that makes them good, and that we can all work together to be agents of change rather than dismissing someone for being different than us, in any way. I'm looking forward to more films like this that celebrate the need for intersectional cooperation in seeking justice, rather than widen racial divides.
I found the perspective of this film to be uniquely important in a time when it's easy to judge each other's politics by appearance. We need more stories that prove that it's a person's character, not their family, their background, or their skin color, that makes them good, and that we can all work together to be agents of change rather than dismissing someone for being different than us, in any way. I'm looking forward to more films like this that celebrate the need for intersectional cooperation in seeking justice, rather than widen racial divides.
If only
morrisdatter1138 August 2022
If only this didn't feel like a high school play. The acting was not worthy of the subject. And that's such a shame because the potential for an important movie is there. Then add makeup and hair and language from 2020 that have no place in the 1960s. I so wanted to like this. It was not possible, but because the subject is still so important today, it has to be rated higher than a 5. I'd love to see this well made.
White savior rubbish
harpurnessan2 September 2021
This movie is a white savior story about a guy called Bob Zellner (don't take note of the name, he introduces himself over 100 times in the movie).
It's very cheesy and poorly edited. The dialogue is really lacking. He has a few lines that he repeats over and over again. So many situations where people are mystified by the words "Bob Zellner, East Bruten, Alabama".
The real life Bob Zellner was involved on set and consulted on this movie. I can't help but feel that he is a politician and spent a little too much time beefing up his own profile by appearing as the perfect man in this movie.
I enjoy movies about Civil Rights but this one is devoid of any real content. I feel that there was a conflict between the director and the consultant. The conflict is that this is a movie that is supposed to be about civil rights so it should show the plight of those who are suffering, but at the same time, an infallible whiteman is at the center of it all.....what are we supposed to take away from that? He never appears to struggle despite being in difficult situation and always keeps a lid on things when others around him are struggling.
It's a silly movie that tells a bland story and a boring guy from East Bruten, Alabama.
It's very cheesy and poorly edited. The dialogue is really lacking. He has a few lines that he repeats over and over again. So many situations where people are mystified by the words "Bob Zellner, East Bruten, Alabama".
The real life Bob Zellner was involved on set and consulted on this movie. I can't help but feel that he is a politician and spent a little too much time beefing up his own profile by appearing as the perfect man in this movie.
I enjoy movies about Civil Rights but this one is devoid of any real content. I feel that there was a conflict between the director and the consultant. The conflict is that this is a movie that is supposed to be about civil rights so it should show the plight of those who are suffering, but at the same time, an infallible whiteman is at the center of it all.....what are we supposed to take away from that? He never appears to struggle despite being in difficult situation and always keeps a lid on things when others around him are struggling.
It's a silly movie that tells a bland story and a boring guy from East Bruten, Alabama.
Great movie!
BudoSenpai9 August 2021
Typical White Washed History
dcreal-7594214 October 2021
Once again Hollywood puts out drivel where they single out the 1 white person who was doing what almost every other human being (outside of European whites) knew was correct. We should not applaud or make anyone a hero for doing what is right. This was just hours of whites patting themselves on the back. They love to have ti both ways. Hollywood, please stop this. In the near future, America will be minority white, and the new majority does not want white washed history.
MUST SEE, Beautifully done!
danalinnet6 February 2021
Bringing true stories to the big screen is not an easy feat but "Son of the South" succeeds with ease. This is a rare gem that has it all: incredible acting, deft screenwriting which brings just the right amount of humanity and humor to an otherwise difficult subject, great directing and editing, gorgeous soundtrack, and blending in of historical footage. Highly relevant, beautifully done, and Brian Dennehy in is final role before passing away. The entire cast was phenomena. I give this 10 out of 10 stars easily. I can't say enough about this beautiful and wonderful film!
It concentrates only on one character but at the same time it does not
isaacochoterena15 October 2021
This movie feels soulless in trying to expose the life of the main character but does not delve into it.
Taking into account that it is based on real events, the film does not investigate the interest of the main character to enter in the social movement that is exposed, it does not disclose his intentions or his ideals. The plot is not very attractive, you do not connect with the main character or with the social movement since, for me, it is not the best way to see the social movement from the perspective that the film exposes. The performances are not convincing, most of the characters are not very important, there are several things that have no conclusion and the character development is not good. Among the highlights are the production design, the costume design that is good, the hairstyle and the makeup.
I think the film contradicts the message that appears near the end that the main character says that it is wrong to put him as the leader of the movement because it makes people who have experienced social inequality less important, which they do in the film by putting him as the protagonist of the story.
Taking into account that it is based on real events, the film does not investigate the interest of the main character to enter in the social movement that is exposed, it does not disclose his intentions or his ideals. The plot is not very attractive, you do not connect with the main character or with the social movement since, for me, it is not the best way to see the social movement from the perspective that the film exposes. The performances are not convincing, most of the characters are not very important, there are several things that have no conclusion and the character development is not good. Among the highlights are the production design, the costume design that is good, the hairstyle and the makeup.
I think the film contradicts the message that appears near the end that the main character says that it is wrong to put him as the leader of the movement because it makes people who have experienced social inequality less important, which they do in the film by putting him as the protagonist of the story.
It would be easy..
bluefoxniner6 February 2021
It would be too easy to be swayed by other reviews written here by far right bigots who lack both the courage and moral fibre to own their own racism.
Instead, take this film for what it is.. a difficult subject about something that was once swept under the carpet but has now re emerged.
It's not a perfect film, but well acted and gets the message across without ambiguity.
It's not a perfect film, but well acted and gets the message across without ambiguity.
Jesus Wept!
hardestheartedharlot8 April 2021
I'm not sure how a film about such an emotive topic can be so bad. It takes talent to make the degradation and violent deaths many in the CRM faced seem mundane, but it has been done here. Then there's the old tropes to contend with. Innocent white woman won't have sex before marriage, brown bird gets her cookie out without a second thought. Acting, bad! Script, worse! Direction, calamitous! Tropes, ALL OF THEM!
A trailblazer
Gordon-1125 April 2021
Could have been better...
samabc-3195214 August 2021
"I have been here long, stuck in the city
People call it home, I am homesick
Blues are the only songs
I ever seem to pick
I am southbound"
1960s, Alabama... It was the "the right and white wins' era! They were the times when even Howard Johnson's locked its doors to go against SNCC demand to integrate restaurants for whites and blacks!!! It is a biopic based on a life story of a white Alabamian and a grandson of a the man in the Alabama Ku Klux Klan Robert Zellner, who relinquished his racist pedigree (white supremacy) and joined the civil rights movement and fought for a cause that would make America Democrat from its republic state. He was arrested and jailed 17 times in a 5-years span. He still lives in Alabama! Although, Movie is based on his autobiography The wrong side of murder creek. I have not read the book but I felt that the script could have been less cringeworthy and more toned to reflect the singularity of the subject. Watch *Son of South*, available on Prime...
Excellent movie
pattiprinzivalli16 February 2021
This was such a wonderful movie. It dealt with everything that happened during the civil rights movement and It is relevant for today. It made me realize what people had to go through. The acting was absolutely amazing especially by Lucas till who plays Bob Zelner. I highly recommend watching this movie Either in the theaters or on demand
Disaster...
AK-CHiCAGO3 September 2021
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