Review: The Untold Story Of Emmett Louis Till (B)

The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till (2005)
Directed by Keith Beauchamp
MPAA: PG-13
Grade: B

Review by Sebastian Francis Kenedy

Before Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks, the story of Emmett Louis Till struck a chord with American citizens, shining a light on the deep racism that ruled the south. Director Keith Beauchamp's bold documentary The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till tells the story of racism, murder, political corruption and more. This wonderful documentary deserves the accolades that it is receiving.

In August of 1955, Mamie Till-Mobley sent her only child, Emmett Louis Till, to visit relatives in Mississippi. Being from Chicago, the young boy was not familiar with the harsh, racist philosophies that currently ruled the south. While in Mississippi with friends, young Emmett whistled at a white woman in public. A rude gesture perhaps, but certainly not worthy of physical punishment. The next day, young Emmett was dragged from his great uncle's home, brutally tortured and ultimately murdered by two white men. This documentary examines the facts behind the case and dramatically tells the story behind this important civil rights case.

The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till is a shocking, tragic and certainly fascinating documentary about our country's racist (and not too distant) past. It is a testament to the filmmaker that this documentary is getting distribution and is becoming available as an educational guide. The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till is highly recommmended.

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