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Roots Movie Analysis

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Roots, the movie or series, is closely based on Alex Haley’s novel about his ancestors from Africa who were forced into slavery. The series begins with the life of Kunta Kinte, a young boy from Gambia, West Africa who has been captured and kidnapped by slave raiders. He reluctantly goes from being surrounded by loving family and friends to being forced into slavery half way across the world from everything he knows. Episode one of the historical series mainly depicts Kunta’s home life in Gambia. We observe as Kunta Kinte develops into a fearless, responsible teenager. He then attends manhood training in his village of Mandika and is transformed into an adult man in his society. This is where Kunta Kinte first witnesses the presence of white …show more content…

Although I’ve only watched two episodes, I feel like I’m connected to Kunta Kinte. His story is so sad, inspiring, and exciting. It left me wondering what is going to happen next. It makes me question if Kunta will survive and escape. Also it makes me question if he’ll ever be united with Fanta and his family again. This movie is very deep and difficult to watch because it forces me reflect on how badly Africans and African Americans have been treated, but it also makes me proud that things are better. I believe that this movie is historically accurate because the portrayal of the conditions on the ship was as badly as they were during slavery. I feel this movie accurately depicts life as an African slave and how hard it is to let go of everything someone has learned and conform to a new identity. I believe the movie explains all points of perception from the slaves’ point of view to the slave owners’ to the capturers’ and even the captain of the ship’s experience. Although the movie is dramatized, it is very believable. I would rate this movie an 8.5 so far because I haven’t had the chance to see the whole thing. I am intrigued to see what more there is in store for Kunta Kinte and his

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