20 Essential Movie Moments That Will Define 2016
4. Revolution - The Birth Of A Nation
The Moment: On August 21, 1831, Nat Turner decides that enough is enough, and leads a rebellion of slaves and free blacks in Virginia, ultimately resulting in huge casualties of both black and white people.
Why It Will Define 2016: Cynically, we have to consider the headlines this movie is going to attract during awards season, considering the #OscarsSoWhite controversy surrounding the previous Academy Awards. As a distinctly black story, The Birth of a Nation could very well be the little indie that could, the $10 million film that steamrolls its way to the Best Picture finish line.
Even if not, on its own terms, early Sundance reviews paint the film as a powerful tale of a radical uprising, one which ends in tragic circumstances for most involved, and is sure to evoke strong reactions from viewers of all colours and creeds. The MPAA have rated it R for "violent and disturbing content", so it's safe to say that, like any true-life revolution, it sure ain't gonna be pleasant.