“Barry 2016” is a coming-of-age drama film that explores the early life of Barack Obama.
The film portrays Obama as a young man trying to find his place in the world, struggling with issues of race, identity, and belonging.
Through a series of poignant and powerful moments, we see how Obama’s experiences shaped him into the leader he would become.
The film is beautifully shot and expertly acted, capturing both the joy and pain of growing up in America.
Overall, “Barry 2016” is an inspiring tale of resilience, courage, and hope that will leave you feeling inspired and moved.
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Review
As the world continues to evolve, the art of storytelling remains a constant. Whether through books, television shows or movies, people have always been fascinated by compelling narratives. One such story that has captured our hearts is the movie “Barry,” a sensational biopic based on a young man’s life who would go on to become one of the most significant personalities in American history- Barack Obama.
The film takes place between 1981 to 1983, where we see Obama (played by Devon Terrell) arriving in New York City as a transfer student from Los Angeles’ Occidental College. The audience follows him as he navigates through racial tensions, fulfills his academic obligations and eventually finds himself drawn to political activism.
One of the most exciting things about “Barry” is its ability to transport us back in time. Thanks to the breathtaking cinematography, excellent costume design and masterful use of dialogue, we feel like we are living in New York City during this period. We’re taken on walking tours of Harlem and given glimpses into the burgeoning Hip-Hop culture that was taking over the city at that time.
In addition to its exceptional visuals, “Barry” also boasts an impressive cast. Alongside Terrell’s superb portrayal of Obama, Ashley Judd plays his mother Ann Dunham with incredible depth and gravity. Jason Mitchell takes on the role of PJ, Barry’s close friend and roommate whose political activism would help shape Obama’s career. Together they create a dynamic and engaging ensemble driven by authenticity and sincerity.
One of “Barry’s” strongest aspects is how it handles race relations throughout America during this era. The film doesn’t shy away from highlighting how difficult it could be for any person of color trying to establish themselves during these times. It uses various situations such as navigating white spaces or police encounters to show just how challenging it was for people like Obama.
While some might argue that “Barry” could have done more to highlight the experiences of other marginalized groups, its laser-focus on Obama’s story is understandable. After all, the film is meant to be a biopic of the former president, and it does an excellent job of telling his story.
In terms of reception, “Barry” was critically acclaimed upon its release. It received an 80% approval rate on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics hailing it as a “compelling portrait” and praising Terrell’s performance. The film also won a Special Mention award at the San Sebastián International Film Festival.
Despite its success, “Barry” didn’t manage to attain widespread commercial success, most likely due to a limited theatrical release. However, it remains a fascinating movie that provides insights into one man’s early years before he became one of the most respected leaders in modern history.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for an engaging and thought-provoking movie that explores the formative years of one of America’s most significant personalities in recent history, then “Barry” is a must-watch. Laced with stunning cinematography and outstanding performances from its cast, this biopic truly captures the essence of Barack Obama’s journey towards becoming president.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 104
- Release : 2016-09-10
- Genre : Drama
- Cast : Devon Terrell as Barack Hussein Obama, Anya Taylor-Joy as Charlotte Baughman, Jason Mitchell as PJ, Ellar Coltrane as Will, Jenna Elfman as Kathy Baughman
- Crew : Douglas Aibel as Casting, Jacob Craycroft as Editor, Saunder Jurriaans as Original Music Composer, Vikram Gandhi as Director, Vikram Gandhi as Producer
- Popularity 7.808
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Black Bear Pictures
- Summary : A biopic of Barack Obama set during his time as a college student in New York City.
- Tagline : Before he was Barack, he was Barry
