| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Movie Name | Unchained Memories (2003) |
| Director | Bud Greenspan |
| Screenplay Writer | Bud Greenspan |
| Based on | Holocaust survivor testimonies |
| Lead Actors | — (Documentary) |
| Cast | Holocaust survivors |
| Genre | Documentary, History |
| Release Date | 2003 |
| Duration | ~2h |
| Budget | Not reported |
| Language | English |
| Country | United States |
| Box Office | — |
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Without a history there is no future. It is a statement that has more relevance than any one man could fathom. Unchained Memories tries to alleviate this by voicing some of the writings of slaves from the past. Built upon over 2,000 interviews with slaves in between the years of 1936 to 1938 it represents a compilation of true history from the mouth of those that were held under the thumb of slavery. The work was carried out for the Works Projects Administration by its Federal Writers’ Project.
The beauty of the writings is that it is written in the vernacular of the time, and the actors try with great success to speak in their place like vessels that have been inhabited with their long lost spirit. The narration of this important historical piece is provided by Whoopi Goldberg who let’s the monotone of her voice become a tool that showcases some of the atrocities that are talked about. Complementing her is a cast of accomplished actors as well as additional portrayals of music, and the singing of old slave songs.
If you have ever wondered what it was like in slave days this is probably one of the best tools that you will have to enhance your understanding of that time period. Just from my own readings it seems that what is portrayed in the every day history books is not completely accurate. The role of the black man in American history is more than subservient slave. To myself this was a sounding board of information, as well as a study of a history that is forever scorched in the heart of America. From the actors we receive the emotional response of facial gestures, and dictation.
The film might not have carried the same weight if the visible rendition of these narratives wasn’t introduced. The actors also add their own insights to the production such as Samuel Jackson discussing what his parents called certain things of that time period. Maybe the most important thing that this project will bring is the true unleashing of memories for black America.
The true uncut history of black America has been written down for all to discover with only the ability to pick up a book hindering the dissemination of knowledge. It is a part of black American history that should be examined, and with that examination hopefully the curiousity for more knowledge will be developed. From early trappers, soldiers, and man of power even in the time of slavery we will all find that black America has contributed to this great nation more than some would like to think. I say unlock the memories so that the futur path can burn with the pride of the knowledge of sacrifice that put us here.
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