Small Axe

Steve McQueen's passion project had been oscillating listlessly in development for nearly a decade before it all finally came together. Five standalone films of varying lengths, collated together into what may or may not be a mini-series depending on your definition of these things. McQueen is not unsung by any means but these stories most certainly are - as a British person our history lessons at school start with castles, end with World War 2 and are extremely light on detail.

Both Mangrove & Red, White and Blue are just functional - quite linear and without adequate framing in the case of the latter but are alive with exceptional performances. In fact, every one of these is flawlessly cast and bristle with energy and character. My favourite by quite some way is "Lovers Rock" a near real-time slice of life at a party that is so evocative and so absorbing I was completely swept away by it. In these viral times it managed to distill the essence and manic energy of a wild house party and made me feel deep longing for that catharsis of it all. Both Wheatle and Education benefit from their shorter run times and are both deeply charismatic and touching. Throughout there is a real attention paid to costume, music, setting and it's done in such a magnificently textured and organic way you do feel like you're looking into the past.

It's been said that as of this year there is a new re-assessment of what is taught and in the surprisingly light closer "Education" I think there's somewhat of a meta recognition of this as well as through Robbie Gee's magnetic Simeon in Alex Wheatle. The past is the key to understanding the present, and a vital weapon in the arsenal of fighting for a better future. Small Axe has hopefully been seen by many and opened eyes. Britain really is this messy patchwork of mistakes and hardships, of awkward compromises and terrible injustices. However these impassioned creators coalesced here too, so there's some heart and hope in the wheezing lion yet.

This series of films are revealing regarding the history within Britain of a particular community, namely the West Indian one in the 60s and 70s. The concentration on detail is totally absorbing, bringing known aspects to life as well as less well known details that make this history real rather than simply a vague awareness of the hardships and discrimination that were suffered.

As well as the hardships, the films bring out the vibrancy and uniqueness of that community so also has a positive message, as well as an educational one.

I thought Mangrove was particularly powerful, both being depressing and uplifting at the same time! Also, the final one, based on education, was incredibly raw and insightful with brilliant acting. The others were also part of a masterful sketch, highlighting aspects of life and attitudes, warts and all, within that community at that time.

I was bowled over and feel I am now more in touch with important recent history in our country. Not only that, but more informed regarding the background of the current community.

Thoroughly recommended.

Small Axe gives a long overdue glimpse into the Black West Indian experience and civil rights transformation in the UK. The overt injustice and micro aggressions faced by black immigrants and their first generation children are very relevant to the racial dynamics that persist today. I felt proud to hear and see our stories portrayed and hope more story tellers continue to make films like these. To know where we are going we must know where we come from. Small Axe should be shown in schools and discussed.

When I got to the ending of "Education" I wanted to give a hug to this collection of films... Feels like everything McQueen had done before (Oscars and all) was for the greater purpose of making these films as good as they turned out. Bravo!

Few early movies for people who like this title would be "Pressure (1976)" and "Babylon (1980)". Its a bit of a time machine, will transport alot of Londoners back in time.