That being said... everybody doesn't have such a positive outlook on it. I've heard comments like "this is going to set us back 200 years" and even came across a Spike Lee interview where he says that the film is "disrespectful to my ancestors". (On a side note, is it me or does Spike Lee seem to have something negative to say about every major film depicting black life that he doesn't have his hands on? Hmmm... )
Yes, the film does depict slavery. Yes, the film does use the N-word when referring to black people... but, honestly, if you want to pick a battle, this is the wrong one. Why, you ask? Because this story is essentially the dramatized love spin-off story of Nat Turner on steroids. Don't get me wrong... there were a couple terrible moments in the film; this is a film set during slavery time, after all... The thing is, this film depicted Jamie Foxx KILLING slave owners, overseers and white outlaws for bounty. Forgive me if I'm wrong but, if this is disrespectful, I think a lot of black people can live with it. By the way, I only recall TWO slaves died the entire film and at no point did I experience the that inner rage feeling like when I saw Rosewood.
Jamie Foxx was awesome. He spoke up for himself and had very few moments where he felt like "boy". Honestly, he was more of a superhero during slavery time who inspired the slaves than he was a slave. Check out the interview and then go see the film if you haven't already. It was good.