Black or White

"This isn't about Black or White. This is about Eloise." Saw Black or White starring Kevin Michael Costner, Octavia Spencer, Jillian Estell, and Anthony Mackie at Regal Cinemas! "Elliot Anderson" brilliantly played by Costner is a lawyer faced with a "curve-ball" life threw at him and his family when his wife is tragically killed in a car crash. He is then left to cope with loss, explain what happened and care for his grand-daughter, "Eloise Anderson" well-played by 10-year old Jillian Estell, but faces the challenges of racial bias and custody court proceedings.

"Rowena Jeffers" played by Spencer is "Eloise's" paternal grandmother who seeks custody of her grand-daughter with the help of her brother "Jeremiah Jeffers" played by Mackie, and this young lady is left torn between two families who care for her very much. "Reggie Davis," "Eloise's" biological father played by Andre Holland is referred to as a "street ni**er" according to "Elliot Anderson" (Costner) due to his criminal record, continued drug use, and inability to be a good father to "Eloise."

This racial bias tension pours in to the court custody case which was ruled on by "Judge Cummins" played by Paula Newsome. It is up to "Elliot Anderson" and his legal team including "Rick Reynolds" played by Bill Burr to convince not only the judge but "Rowena Jeffers," "Jeremiah Jeffers," and family that "Eloise" is best suited to live with her "white" grandfather rather than the "black" side of the family.

What I personally liked about the movie is that it was based on real events and presented great refreshing messages about race-relations in modern day America! I enjoyed the film and give it an overall cinema score of 9/10! Go see it! ‪#‎LoveHasNoColor‬ ‪#‎maverickradio‬™

I was not surprised to read that this film was based on actual events. I am sure that these situations have played out numerous times when it comes to mulatto children. The one thing that did surprise me is that Kevin Costner felt so strongly about this film that he financed it himself (along with his wife). Being mulatto myself I was happy to see that a film that broached the subject was finally being made and it could not have come at a better time with all the racial issues of recent days. Mr. Costner recommended that you see this film with someone that does not look like you; and I agree. This film is about two grandparents that deeply love their granddaughter, Eloise (Jillian Estell). With the death of Elliot Anderson's (Kevin Costner) wife, Rowena Jeffers (Octavia Spencer) feels like she would be the better person to raise Eloise than Elliot and the battle ensues. Rick Reynolds (Bill Burr) is engaged to handle Elliot's case and Jeremiah Jeffers (Anthony Mackie) is representing Rowena. Both of these attorneys have their hands full because both Elliot and Rowena have issues of their own. The character that I enjoyed the most was Duvan Araga (Mpho Koako) who is the tutor hired by Elliot to help Eloise stay focused on her studies among other things. The theater was pretty packed and I think that everyone in the theater was enjoying the film. You can tell that it is a good movie when everyone else reacts the same way that you do to certain situations. This film has the potential to generate a lot of dialog which I think was the intent to begin with. I had never heard of writer/director Mike Binder, but I think that after this film, his name will be more recognizable in the future. What I got out of the film is that it is not Black OR White….. It is Black AND White. I think that the entire cast did an excellent job and I would highly recommend this film to everyone.

funny, brilliant, honest script and actors who pull off both harshness and sympathy. special mention to Anthony Mackie, though I know all the critics will give a lion's share of praise to Octavia Spencer and Kevin Costner. Mackie (aka the Falcon) delivers a powerful, resonating speech that simply must be heard. the judge was awesome too, absolutely spot on.

i saw this with my mother at the Toronto Intl Film Festival Elgin Winter Garden Theatre. the room was packed, and the crowd was mixed not just racially but generational too. this is truly a universal film despite its title.

i highly highly recommend this film to everyone.

Writer director Mike Binder has created one of more sensitive films dealing with racial issues yet to be made. He has produced a story, directed it with such sensitivity with an outstanding cast that it absolutely serves not only every ward the film industry can give but also the recognition of everyone working for equal rights. The script is brilliant, rich in humor and pathos, and very, very intelligent.

The synopsis is too brief but offers the flavor of the film: 'BLACK OR WHITE is the story of a grandfather Elliot (Kevin Costner) who when his wife Carol (Jennifer Ehle) is killed in an automobile accident is suddenly left to care for his beloved granddaughter Eloise (Jillian Estell) – a child born to their daughter impregnated at age 17 by an African American junkie Reggie (André Holland): the daughter dies in childbirth and who died in childbirth. When her paternal grandmother Rowena (Octavia Spencer) seeks custody with the help of her brother Jeremiah (Anthony Mackie), the little girl is torn between two families who love her deeply. With the best intentions at heart, both families fight for what they feel is right and are soon forced to confront their true feelings about race, forgiveness, and understanding. Anchored by an all-star cast and based on real events, the movie is a look at two seemingly different worlds, in which nothing is as simple as black or white.'

In addition to the brilliant cast listed above there are cameos by some rather extraordinary actors – Paula Newsome (a gifted and rising star who plays the judge), Mpho Koaho who plays Eloise's tutor, and Joe Chrest – Elliot's attorney partner and best friend.

The film belongs to Costner, Spencer and Estell – and it could not be in stronger hands. Highly Recommended.

Kevin Costner's "Black or White" is one of those break-through movies who bring the silver screen art to a next level. In his case, the movie brings the cultural and social conversation about race to a level it should have been long time ago. The movie suggests a new paradigm for the topic of race, a level where the social and personal relationships between people no longer include the skin color. The movie portrays with a keen sense the tension and resistance our cultural biases pose to any attempt to remove the racial aspects from the confrontations between people of different skin color. In "Black or White" Kevin Costner breaks the pattern of action hero he has got us used with, displaying acting traits of the highest level. With the camera close-ups on his face most of the time, his eyes add immense value to his acting, displaying real emotions and deep feelings only those who experienced parenting can truly understand and react to. Overall, "Black or White" is a new paradigm of both his personal acting and the cultural and social topic of racial tension.