Burning an Illusion

This was a fantastic movie and I really did not want it to end. As an 80s baby there were parts that brought back faded memories of black London in the early 80s but many others revealed things that I would never have known having only been a young kid. The story and the acting was good considering the limited budget and resources I'm sure they had to do everything. The end brought tears to this Hackney gel's eyes! What a pity that Menelik Shabazz wasn't given the same level of support as Spike Lee as he superbly highlights the issues that black people faced then which still resonates today and I think is oft ignored and swept under the carpet.

I am surprised the movie has not been reviewed yet. The portrayal of London in the late 70s is so precise, it was the second Black British film directed and released in 1981. It is a total recommend for strong females and gaining an insight to the racial tension experienced at the time. The costume design was amazing too. To an extent the director's vision is quite parallel to Pressure directed by Horace Ove. But overall we see a young black woman maturing into an independent lady contrasted by the present reality and what she envisions for herself. The film effectively shows rocky situations can easily be for the better. It's worth a watch!