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Selma

  • 2014
  • Tous publics
  • 2h 8m
IMDb RATING
7.5/10
98K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
4,741
1,465
David Oyelowo in Selma (2014)
Selma is the story of a movement. The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition.  The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement.
Play trailer2:33
71 Videos
99+ Photos
DocudramaPeriod DramaBiographyDramaHistory

A chronicle of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s campaign to secure equal voting rights via an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama in 1965.A chronicle of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s campaign to secure equal voting rights via an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama in 1965.A chronicle of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s campaign to secure equal voting rights via an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama in 1965.

  • Director
    • Ava DuVernay
  • Writer
    • Paul Webb
  • Stars
    • David Oyelowo
    • Carmen Ejogo
    • Oprah Winfrey
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.5/10
    98K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    4,741
    1,465
    • Director
      • Ava DuVernay
    • Writer
      • Paul Webb
    • Stars
      • David Oyelowo
      • Carmen Ejogo
      • Oprah Winfrey
    • 374User reviews
    • 386Critic reviews
    • 79Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Won 1 Oscar
      • 58 wins & 91 nominations total

    Videos71

    Trailer #1
    Trailer 2:33
    Trailer #1
    Selma
    Trailer 2:31
    Selma
    Selma
    Trailer 2:31
    Selma
    We Are Martin Luther King Jr. | Supercut
    Clip 1:12
    We Are Martin Luther King Jr. | Supercut
    Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon Share Their Films of Hope for Difficult Times
    Clip 8:09
    Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon Share Their Films of Hope for Difficult Times
    A Guide to the Films of Ava DuVernay
    Clip 1:35
    A Guide to the Films of Ava DuVernay
    Next Great Battle
    Clip 0:34
    Next Great Battle

    Photos146

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    Top cast99+

    Edit
    David Oyelowo
    David Oyelowo
    • Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
    Carmen Ejogo
    Carmen Ejogo
    • Coretta Scott King
    Oprah Winfrey
    Oprah Winfrey
    • Annie Lee Cooper
    Tom Wilkinson
    Tom Wilkinson
    • President Lyndon B. Johnson
    Jim France
    Jim France
    • Gunnar Jahn
    Trinity Simone
    • Girl #1
    Mikeria Howard
    • Girl #2
    Jordan Rice
    Jordan Rice
    • Girl #3
    Ebony Billups
    • Girl #4
    Nadej K. Bailey
    • Girl #5
    • (as Nadej Bailey)
    Elijah Oliver
    • Boy #1
    Clay Chappell
    • Registrar
    Giovanni Ribisi
    Giovanni Ribisi
    • Lee White
    Haviland Stillwell
    Haviland Stillwell
    • President's Secretary
    André Holland
    André Holland
    • Andrew Young
    Ruben Santiago-Hudson
    Ruben Santiago-Hudson
    • Bayard Rustin
    Colman Domingo
    Colman Domingo
    • Ralph Abernathy
    Omar J. Dorsey
    Omar J. Dorsey
    • James Orange
    • (as Omar Dorsey)
    • Director
      • Ava DuVernay
    • Writer
      • Paul Webb
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews374

    7.597.9K
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    Featured reviews

    9valen060

    Captivating Portrayal of the Civil Rights Leader and Intensely Moving Story

    The words I best describe this movie are "profound" and "intense." From what I've learned since my school days, equal rights among race was a very touchy subject when it came to American history.

    David Oyelowo's portrayal of Martin Luther King Jr. was so spot-on that I was immediately drawn in to see every detail of the film play out. I was disturbed and further curious at the same time amongst every scene that unfolded during the key moments of the film.

    Basically, it featured how much King sacrificed and went through in the 1960s to maintain blacks rights to vote and eliminate segregation from all states. I couldn't believe how much violent injustice and racial discrimination were used to intimidate innocent people who were trying to have the same rights like many in America.

    Oprah Winfrey, Cuba Gooding Jr, and rapper-actor Common brought out great performances as the individuals who stood up for what they truly believe in and they wouldn't let hate stand in their way. Tom Wilkinson's portrayal of President Lyndon B. Johnson was rather physically uncanny and his scenes brought out the angst of what he had to face at a time when violence was further escalating during the Civil Rights Movement. Tim Roth as Governor George Wallace made me feel to hate the man for his segregationist beliefs, but when confronted by President Johnson himself, it just got real.

    The juxtaposition of real-life archive footage in the movie gave a nice touch to how very genuine these people of Selma endured plenty of horrible confrontations. Whether these usually ended in violence or even death, they just kept growing in numbers and overcome all who stood against their true beliefs in racial equality.

    My only nitpick was that of President Johnson's confrontations with Martin Luther King himself. I've learned in the history books that they've had their fair share of disagreements, but nothing this intense as shown on screen. Nevertheless, it proved that being an American President was no easy feat at a very difficult time. Overall, this is a film that didn't require lengthy (moving) MLK speeches, instead it focused on tense confrontations black people had to endure and how one individual stood tall and fought back not with violence, but with powerful words and strong beliefs. I applaud David Oyelowo and director Ava DuVernay for providing a glimpse into how racism was overcome by one profound man whose legacy still reverberates to this day.
    8KnightsofNi11

    Far more important than entertaining

    Some of the darkest and saddest pieces of our history often make for the most compelling and powerful films of the year. Such is the case with Selma which takes us back to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, showing us the tragic strife that the African American community was put through. Selma focuses specifically on the voting rights movement where Dr. King and his followers led an historical march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama to peacefully protest Alabama's segregated voting rights in order to obtain equality across the voting board. It's a startlingly relevant film that explores a time in US history many would prefer to forget, and one that challenges us to look at our modern day society and draw some disturbing connections.

    Admittedly it is a little bit sad that a film about civil rights can still have so much relevance in 2015, but such is the way of prejudice and bigotry in all of its ever changing forms. Selma does a fantastic job at making this fight as real and accessible as possible, highlighting this struggle on a personal level for King and his associates. These events were well before my time, but as far as I know this film paints a very realistic picture of the time, from the look of the sets, the costumes, and the emotions and tensions filling the air.

    At the end of the day, though, it's the portrayal of Dr. King that drives this film home. David Oyelowo is a powerhouse that carries this film with a startlingly accurate representation of the reverend; one that is filled to the brim with passion and poise, while also breaking down the larger than life illusion that surrounds the man, and bringing him down to earth as the very real and very flawed human being he actually was. His controversial decisions are touched upon in the film, as well as his infidelities which truly bring him to the human level.

    It's a damn good thing that Oyelowo can carry this film, too, as the emotional prowess of the story relies solely on him. Selma is packed with a great supporting cast with everyone from Tom Wilkinson to Tim Roth to rapper Common, but there is no denying that all these supporting players play second fiddle to Oyelowo. If Oyelowo is at a 10 as the lead of the film the rest of the cast sits at an 8 across the board with no one character getting a lot of attention as the focus consistently remains on King. I would have liked to see some more attention turned towards the supporting cast, but with a biopic on one of the most influential names in American history you almost have to expect this.

    Selma highlights a grim portion of our history, one so grim that it needs to be immortalized in film so that we don't forget the troubled history we came from. This is an incredibly important film about an incredibly important man. It's not something you watch for entertainment value and not something you watch over and over again, but it is something you need to watch to gain some highly accurate perception of a crucial time in history it is imperative we never forget.
    8bob-the-movie-man

    A bridge too far for Civil Rights

    Last year's "Pride" brilliantly demonstrated how far gay rights have come in the UK in 30 years. Selma does an equally superb job in showing how far racial equality has come in the US in 50 years.

    The year is 1964 and racial tension is rife in the Southern states, with attacks and murders of black citizens going unpunished by the combination of a white-majority policing and legal system. Enter Martin Luthor King (English actor David Oyelowo) at the point of receiving his Nobel Peace prize. King insists at a Presidential level (with Tom Wilkinson playing Lyndon Johnson) that black citizens be allowed unfettered rights to vote in elections, with the aim of securing a more just and balanced society. Looking for a suitable location to mount a media-led stand, in an age before social networking and 'Arab-Springs', King centres his attention on the Alabama town of Selma, mounting a series of non-violent (at least on their side) protests and marches. The local redneck police chief, Wilson Baker (David Dwyer), and the state governor, George Wallis (Tim Roth), are not going to stand for this and the tinder-box reaches ignition point during a march from Selma to the state capital of Montgomery.

    Nominated for the Oscar for Best Picture (but only that in the major awards, so winning chances are probably near-zero), Selma is primarily an excellent example of an ensemble cast that works particularly well together. There are a wealth of outstanding performances: Tom Wilkinson's Lyndon Johnson comes across as a surprisingly sympathetic character (jerking me out of my natural Vietnam-coloured perception of the politician); Oprah Winfrey (also a co-producer) provides a text-book example of acting without acting, her expressions doing all of the work; Dylan Baker (so fantastic in "The Good Wife") is chillingly sinister as J. Edgar Hoover; English-born Carmen Ejogo plays (extremely well) a similar role to Sienna Miller's in "American Sniper" as the wife alienated by her husband's calling; and Giovanni Ribisi ("Saving Private Ryan", "Friends"), Cuba Gooding Jnr and (a bizarrely uncredited) Martin Sheen turn up in great cameo performances.

    But towering over all of this great acting is Oyelowo's performance which is simply outstanding: every death and injury is etched on his face. This is a Martin Luthor King that you can really believe in. I would have personally bounced Bradley Cooper in the nomination list for him, and it is astonishing (given his English background) that he was also overlooked at the BAFTAs. He must be feeling pretty aggrieved right now. Mr Oyelowo – if you are reading this – this critic thanks you for an outstanding performance.

    As a relative newcomer to direction, at least for a movie of this scale, Ava Duvernay does a great job with some of the action scenes (with particularly the shocking opening to the film showing enormous style). Paul Webb (apparently with this as a screen writing debut – – how on earth did he get THIS job?) does a creditable job, with lots of memorable sound-bites that stick in the mind. Where the film ran into soft mud for me however was in the personal scenes between the married couple: they don't really provide enough insight into the stresses of King's serial adultery, and the plotting becomes slow and dull…. I personally lost interest in most of these scenes and was desperate for the film to get back to the 'action' in Selma.

    Also of note is the end title song – "Glory" by John Legend and Common (who also stars in the film) – which is also nominated for an Oscar and won the Golden Globe.

    Both gay rights and racial equality undoubtedly still have much further to go, but this does make you proud that as US and UK societies we have come so far within my own lifetime. A recommended watch, particularly for those with an interest in sociology and/or American history.

    (If you enjoyed this review, please see the multi-media version together with more reviews at bob-the-movie-man.com and enter your email address to subscribe. Thanks.)
    8LexLodon

    Entertaining, Great Acting, And Definitely Worth Seeing

    This movie had a great cast, great story, and was very entertaining and well written. David Oyelowo, although a tad inconsistent early on, elevated to another level when he transformed before your eyes to a dynamic and vulnerable Dr. Martin Luther King, JR. Toward the end of the movie, his performance was so strong, if he was not actually shown on the screen, you couldn't tell if if was an old recording of MLK or David Oyelowo himself.

    As for the story, yes, it was not "historicly accurate," but it flowed well and Ava DuVernay and Paul Webb did a wonderful job of making it family friendly, which is very hard to do with such a sensitive subject. I would compare it to Disney's "Remember The Titans" on how they changed the story to make it more entertaining and also family friendly.

    Overall, I would highly recommend this movie. It did a great job of showing me a bit of the past that was before my time and I am grateful for that experience.
    7CrazyArty

    Hard to believe humans could behave this way

    The context is Martin Luther King's mission to get votes for blacks. The film focusses on a peaceful demonstration in Selma, Alabama.

    This story is part of a huge moment in American history. A really powerful subject which is thoughtfully dealt with. The lead, David Oyelowo, does a nice job.

    There is one moment in the film which is hugely emotional and shows the best of human kindness but otherwise the movie doesn't quite pack the huge emotional punch the topic deserves.

    Still very much worth a watch though, the subject matter is fascinating. You will struggle to believe that humans could behave this way, and so recently too.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The explosion in the opening scene is the infamous 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, which occurred in Birmingham, Alabama on September 15, 1963. The 4 young girls killed in the bombing were Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, and Cynthia Wesley.
    • Goofs
      When MLK meets with LBJ in the Oval Office, Johnson is seated at the Resolute Desk. When Lyndon B. Johnson took office in 1963, he found he was too large for the desk, and commissioned a plainer replacement which was built by the Senate cabinet shop.
    • Quotes

      Martin Luther King Jr.: [somberly yet passionately speaking to church congregation at a funeral] Who murdered Jimmie Lee Jackson? Every white lawman who abuses the law to terrorize. Every white politician who feeds on prejudice and hatred. Every white preacher who preaches the Bible and stays silent before his white congregation. Who murdered Jimmie Lee Jackson? Every Negro man and woman who stands by without joining this fight as their brothers and sisters are brutalized, humiliated, and ripped from this Earth.

    • Crazy credits
      Martin Sheen is not listed in the credits.
    • Connections
      Featured in The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: Chris Pine/David Oyelowo/Bobby Flay (2014)
    • Soundtracks
      One Morning Soon
      Written by Traditional

      Performed by Joyce Collins & Johnita Collins

      Courtesy of Tompkins Square, LLC

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    FAQ21

    • How long is Selma?Powered by Alexa
    • Why is the movie titled Selma?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • March 11, 2015 (France)
    • Countries of origin
      • United States
      • United Kingdom
      • France
    • Official sites
      • Official site (France)
      • Official site (Japan)
    • Languages
      • English
      • Portuguese
    • Also known as
      • Selma: el poder de un sueño
    • Filming locations
      • Selma, Alabama, USA(foot of Edmund Pettus Bridge - scene of Bloody Sunday)
    • Production companies
      • Pathé
      • Harpo Films
      • Plan B Entertainment
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

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    • Budget
      • $20,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $52,076,908
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $571,450
      • Dec 28, 2014
    • Gross worldwide
      • $67,782,762
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      2 hours 8 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
      • Dolby Surround 7.1
      • Datasat
      • Dolby Atmos
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

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