Cast
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Naomie Harris
as Alicia West
Tyrese Gibson
as Milo 'Mouse' Jackson
Frank Grillo
as Terry Malone
Mike Colter
as Darius
Reid Scott
as Kevin
Beau Knapp
as Smitty
Nafessa Williams
as Missy
James Moses Black
as Officer Deacon Brown
Carsyn Taylor
as Jamal
Lucky Johnson
as Ox
Deneen Tyler
as Captain Regina Hackett
Michael Papajohn
as Sergeant Leader
Nelson Bonilla
as Officer Doyle
Frankie Smith
as Tez
Oscar Gale
as Gas Station Owner
Crew
Director
- Deon Taylor
Writer
- Peter A. Dowling
Producer
- Sean Sorensen
Reviews
JPV852
Well made thriller with solid performances from Naomie Harris, Frank Grillo and even Tyrese Gibson. Not entirely predictable at least and kept me entertained throughout and didn't run out of gas as sometimes these type of thrillers do in the third act.
A decent flick from Deon Taylor who also directed Traffik from a couple years back which I also enjoyed, mostly for Paula Patton. Probably worth a rental if you like the corrupt cop crime-thrillers. **3.75/5**
Jan 21, 2020
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Black and Blue examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Deon Taylor brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2019, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Black and Blue took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $12.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 109 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 152 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 50 unique compositions.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2019, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Black and Blue shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Married Life, which focuses more on action than character development, Black and Blue offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Chiko and Desperado explore similar territory, Black and Blue stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 25, 2019
- Runtime: 1h 49m
- Budget: $12,000,000
- Revenue: $22,741,061
Where to Watch
