One Night in Miami...: Living or Dead?

About One Night in Miami...

One Night in Miami... is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the intersection of race, politics, and celebrity in America during the 1960s. Directed by Regina King and written by Kemp Powers, the film is based on Powers' play of the same name and imagines a fictional meeting between four iconic figures of the era: Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown.

The film takes place on the night of February 25, 1964, after Ali (then known as Cassius Clay) defeated Sonny Liston to become the heavyweight champion of the world. Malcolm X (Kingsley Ben-Adir) invites Ali (Eli Goree), Cooke (Leslie Odom Jr.), and Brown (Aldis Hodge) to his hotel room in Miami to celebrate and discuss their roles in the civil rights movement. What follows is a gripping and emotionally charged conversation that touches on themes of identity, responsibility, and the struggle for equality.

One Night in Miami... is a remarkable achievement, both as a work of cinema and as a commentary on the state of America today. King's direction is confident and assured, and she draws powerful performances from her talented cast. Ben-Adir, in particular, is a revelation as Malcolm X, capturing both his charisma and his inner turmoil. Odom Jr. is also excellent as Cooke, bringing a soulful intensity to his musical performances.

The film is not without its flaws, however. Some critics have argued that it is too talky and stagey, and that it fails to fully explore the complexities of its characters. Others have criticized its portrayal of Malcolm X as overly sympathetic, and have questioned its historical accuracy.

Despite these criticisms, One Night in Miami... is a film that demands to be seen and discussed. It is a timely reminder of the struggles and sacrifices of those who came before us, and a call to action for those who seek to continue the fight for justice and equality. As Malcolm X says in the film, "We have to be there for each other. We have to support each other. We have to love each other." One Night in Miami... is a powerful testament to those words.

References:

- One Night in Miami... (2020). Directed by Regina King. Written by Kemp Powers. [Film]. Amazon Studios.

- Kohn, E. (2020, September 7). 'One Night in Miami' Review: Regina King's