Citizen of a Kind: A Profound Drama on Identity and Belonging
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| Citizen of a Kind Review |
Introduction
Ever wondered what it feels like to be a stranger in
your own life? Dive into Citizen of a Kind, a profound drama that explores the
identity crisis of Elias Thompson, played by the ever-versatile Michael B.
Jordan. In a narrative that blends personal discovery with sociopolitical
commentary, director Ava DeVernay (affectionately known as Ava Deer) crafts a
mesmerizing journey through the complexities of belonging, identity, and the
very essence of what it means to be a citizen.
Citizen of a Kind Trailer
Plot Overview
The movie opens with Michael B. Jordan's Elias
Thompson, a young architect living in a bustling metropolis who has achieved
success by every standard measure. However, beneath the surface of his
seemingly perfect life, Elias wrestles with a nagging sense of disconnection
from his surroundings and his own identity. This sense of alienation is
magnified by the sudden illness of his father, Samuel Thompson, portrayed by
Forest Whitaker. Samuel's deteriorating health prompts Elias to return to his
hometown for the first time in a decade.
Rich Visuals and Nuanced Storytelling
Director Ava Deer masterfully sets the tone with her
signature use of rich visuals and nuanced storytelling. As Elias navigates the
familiar yet foreign streets of his childhood, he encounters figures from his
past, including his high school sweetheart Rachel Simmons, played by Lupita
Nyong'o, and his once best friend Marcus Lee, portrayed by John Boyega. These
reunions are bittersweet, filled with nostalgia and the pain of unspoken
truths. Deer uses these interactions not only to delve into Elias's personal
history but to paint a broader picture of the community's struggles with
gentrification and cultural erosion.
Community Struggles with Gentrification
The town that Elias remembers is fading, replaced by
new developments that cater to outsiders rather than the residents who have
called this place home for generations. The heart of the film lies in Elias's
evolving relationship with his father. Forest Whitaker delivers a powerful
performance as Samuel, a man who has silently battled his own feelings of
inadequacy and displacement after years of working in a town that never quite
accepted him. The conversations between Elias and Samuel are poignant, revealing
layers of generational trauma and the unspoken pressures of conforming to
societal expectations.
Michael B. Jordan's Compelling Performance
Michael B. Jordan's portrayal of Elias is compelling as
he embodies a man caught between two worlds, striving to redefine what it means
to be a citizen in a place that feels both intimately familiar and unsettlingly
alien. His journey is one of self-discovery, as each encounter and revelation
forces him to confront his fears and redefine his place in the world. Ava Deer
doesn't shy away from tough questions about race, class, and identity. Instead,
she weaves these themes into the fabric of the story, challenging the audience
to reflect on their own perceptions of home, belonging, and citizenship.
Themes of Race, Class, and Identity
The narrative is both personal and universal, anchored
by strong performances and thoughtful direction. The climax of Citizen of a
Kind is a poignant commentary on reconciliation, both with one's past and with
the community at large. As Elias comes to terms with his identity and his
responsibilities as a son and a citizen, he inspires those around him to
embrace their heritage and fight for their place in the world.
Conclusion
Citizen of a Kind is more than just a movie; it's an
exploration of what it means to belong in a world that is constantly changing.
Ava Deer's direction ensures that the film is not only a journey for Elias but
also an invitation for viewers to question and affirm their own identities. If
this deep dive into Citizen of a Kind has intrigued you and you're hungry for
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Summery
Citizen of a Kind is a profound drama directed by Ava DeVernay, featuring Michael B. Jordan as Elias Thompson, a successful architect struggling with a deep sense of disconnection. The film explores his journey of self-discovery when he returns to his hometown due to his father's illness, played by Forest Whitaker. As Elias reconnects with his past and confronts issues of gentrification, race, and identity, he navigates generational trauma and societal expectations. DeVernay's rich visuals and nuanced storytelling highlight the complexities of belonging and citizenship, making this film a poignant exploration of identity in a changing world.
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