Red, White and Blue

A powerful and important look at what women face in states where lawmakers have stripped them of their reproductive autonomy. The film is a layered story, with unexpected reveals that brought home the reality faced by millions of women and girls, and it drives home the truth that lawmakers have no idea of the danger and disparity they have unleashed when they ban abortion as a reproductive option.

Some on this site have said Red, White and Blue is a cliche. And sadly, perhaps they are right. Maybe stripping women of their autonomy is so old hat that it has become a cliche. But, I ain't gonna buy that swag. Instead, I think the film presents a vital argument that it is the people who undermine women's rights who need to become cliches -- out dated and over used metaphors that need to be tossed for sake of women's lives and futures.

Red, White, and Blue is a powerful, emotional, and moving feature, even if it is just a short film. The film follows Rachel, a single mother of two who is just barely scraping by as a waitress. Rachel is forced to leave Arkansas, a state where abortion is illegal. Rachel must take a trip across multiple state lines with her daughter to see if she can even get the operation. This movie makes you think one thing is happening when really something else entirely is happening. Honestly, rewatching it is an entirely different experience. This movie takes a difficult and complex topic and presents it in a simple and straightforward way that makes you think. Brittany Snow is my all-time favorite actor for so many reasons, and this is just one more reason to love her. She simply kills it here. Even though it is short, it must be placed in one of her best performances. I love how she is able to illustrate so much emotion without even speaking. You really get the feeling that Rachel loves her kids and, at the same time, is in this place of huge emotional pain. I don't want to give anything away because I don't want to spoil it for anyone. But this was so amazing I would say it is a must-watch that will bring you close to tears. Trust me, take 25 minutes and watch it on YouTube for Brittany's performance alone.

No spoilers, but I can say I am a bit shook after just watching that. In these times where women are losing rights to automomy and we are sliding back into the middle ages it is a must watch no matter what you think about abortion. Its really not about that. The power of this film is in what it does not say or force uon the viewer. Its power is in what is simply the incredible short but nuanced story telling. Brittany Snow is superior in her role and conveys perfectly the experiece of all women. Every woman watches this will find a moment to relate to as the story is told so very well. Again, it is not about the abortion issue, is is about so much more. Excellent film, I hope it gets the Oscar on Sunday, it deserves it!

Simply, a pure great film . For admirable crafted story, for the performance of Brittany Snow, for children and carousel and, sure, for realism of situation.

But, more significant, for lovely- touching - precise portrait of motherhood.

A film about a fundamental decision, alternatives of it, sacrifice and a birthday.

The great scene - the counting of banknotes and coins. And the touching end.

More than a good film, a splendid poem. And an amazing pledge for virtues, force and fights of birth of sacrifice.

A film for reflection in real profound manner.

So, a special , in profound sense, short film.

Abortion is a contested topic, so we're not talking about that. Because while Nazrin Choudhury's "Red White and Blue" is an abortion-centered movie, I enjoyed it mostly for its storytelling and effectiveness as a short film. It definitely does lean in on a few cliches, but it's not excessive enough to take away from the overall 'cinema' of the movie. It is a decently written, visually impressive and structurally sound short film with good acting to support, and no matter what your opinion is on the subject matter, the movie remains engaging and effective. One of the stronger short films of the year for sure.