One Night in Miami Movie Review

One Night in Miami (2020)

Rent One Night in Miami on Amazon Video (paid link)
Written by: Kemp Powers (screenplay by, based on the stage play "One Night In Miami..." by)
Directed by: Regina King
Starring: Kingsley Ben-Adir, Eli Goree, Aldis Hodge, Leslie Odom Jr., Lance Reddick, Michael Imperioli, Lawrence Gilliard Jr., Beau Bridges
Rated: R
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Plot
A fictional account of one incredible night where icons Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown discussed their roles in the Civil Rights Movement and cultural upheaval of the 60s.

Verdict
A great concept that's bolstered by impressive acting and great characterization of four influential and important figures in history. It's a movie that has a narrow focus, and excels at its goals. It's thought provoking. These men were poised to change society's views, but there's still a long way to go even today.
Watch it.

Review
As a journalist Kemp Powers discovered Ali, X, Cooke, and Brown were all in Miami together in 1964. While he couldn't determine what the men discussed, he decided to speculate. The movie introduces us to each of the men and issues they face in the '60s. Ali, at this point Cassius Clay, is a talented but cocky boxer that almost loses a fight because of it. Cooke is an established singer, but is performing in front of an all white audience that aren't big fans. Brown experiences blatant racism despite being hailed as a football star. X considers leaving the Nation of Islam.

Leslie Odom Jr., Aldis Hodge, Kingley Ben-Adir, Eli Goree play
Sam Cooke, Jim Brown, Malcolm X, Cassius Clay.

I love the conceit. Four powerful men end up in a room together. Even if it didn't happen, it could have. The movie does a great job of characterizing the men. We learn their goals and definition of success, and that success is context sensitive. They are black men in a white world. Malcolm X wants to break through the color barrier, seeing each of them as capable of doing that with their unique positions in society. They all have the opportunity to address social issues, but that carries a lot of weight and responsibility.

Malcolm and Sam Cooke's tension drives the story a bit. Malcolm sees Sam as pandering to a white audience while Sam counters that his record label is making money on those white fans.

The acting is great, especially Kingsley Ben-Adir as Malcolm X. All of the actors excel in their roles, and that's not easy when your playing such well known people.

There's what's happening in this movie, but there's also a lot between the lies. These men made an impact on society, but there are still many shortcomings still present in society.