Review: BlacKkKlansman, or How an African American Man Infiltrated the KKK

We decided to spend the Saturday evening inside, under a blanket and with a movie. My eye was caught by BlacKkKlansman because it promised a true story of an African American cop infiltrating the Ku Klux Klan witht he help of his Jewish colleague back in the 1970s. Well if that doesn't sound intriguing then I don't know what does.

The Story

The story is set in Colorado Springs, a town in the US where Ron Stallworth, a young African American applies for a job at the local police department. He is hired, but stands out from his colleagues. Ron is not only the first African American in his department he is also oozing the 70s soul vibe.

He starts off where all new cops start, bored to death in the archives. Then he gets the opportunity of a lifetime, he phones the local Ku Klux Klan after they place and advert in the papers. He is invited to come join them and it is a great opportunity for the police to see if anything illegal happens in the notorious organization. Only problem? Well, Ron won't be able to go himself....

He is helped by his colleague Flip, who happens to be white, but who will have to hide his Jewish background, since the KKK also don't take kindly to that.

What ensues is a movie where they infiltrate deeper and deeper into the mysterious KKK, but where a mistake is easily made and one that could cost them dear if they are discovered.

Gives Perspective

I loved this movie because I think it gives a great perspective. Sometimes the stories that seem to crazy to be real turn out to be real! Who would have thought about a duo of an African American and a Jew infiltrating the KKK?

I think it also beautifully showcases the 70s: a changing society in which African Americans are voicing themselves, an era of the black power movement, but also one with lots of institutionalized racism.

And just when you think at the end of the movie: ah well at least we have come a long way since those days, the movie keeps you on your toes by showing the latest struggles of the Black Lives Matter movement.

A must see movie therefore, a comedy that is thought-provoking and changes your perspective