76% Hot
Grammy nominated for Best Music Film, with”Brown Skin Girl” winning Best Music Video award.
What I liked? The talent of the artists involved and there were many. Black is King, directed, written, staring and executive produced by Beyoncé, contains fantastic choreography and costume design. The cinematography, the selected locations, the…score, the music. I mean come-on, there were over 30 talents in a single production and the track with Beyoncé and Jay-Z was amazing. I have seen Beyoncé in concert before and she’s such a monster talent. I feel the same about her husband, whenever he takes the mic, his voice just has such great presence.
If you are a fan of Beyoncé and enjoy watching concerts at home, as well as musicals, music videos and long-form concept videos, think of Michael Jackson’s, 92 minute, Moonwalker (1988)… then Black is King is 1hr 25min of bliss to view or simply have on, in the background, as you might for other music-centric entertainment.
What I didn’t care for was the very loose, almost totally abstract narrative that was supposed to be an inspired retelling of The Lion King: The Gift. According to Wikipedia:
“The prince’s journey acts as an allegory for the African diaspora’s journey of discovering, reclaiming and celebrating their culture and heritage, which is echoed by the inclusion of spoken-word poetry in the film that focuses on the question of black identity.”
Alright, so… Black is King? While I get it, I don’t get the necessity to be overtly… let’s just call it for what it is, pro black. I won’t call that racist, as I feel the word is overused. Yet is it not discrimination, to intentionally highlight one group over another? Honestly, though, imagine if there were a musical film or visual album, titled White is King, focusing on the question of white identity. What would the reaction be? Personally, I’d criticize that title too, as I prefer being inclusive. Praise, for calling attention to a single race, just sets a double standard, that is hypocritical.
In many ways, this is similar to the 2020 debate over “All” Lives Matter vs. “Black” Lives Matter. Obviously, “All” makes far more sense than placing any one race, over another. The poisonous, “woke” theory of Equity over Equality, is a cancer, that has not only consumed, but has unnecessarily divided a racially diverse America. This dangerous “segregation” movement is now spreading discontent across the globe. To what end?
Living in Asia, I don’t see color. As a minority, I reside in the harmonious country of Singapore. In many ways, Singapore is the true melting pot that America once was. Singapore, while respecting the unique quality of each race, creed and culture, chooses to focus on the collective harmony of the nation, where all, work toward a common goal. Hopeful, all races, identity groups, political parties and countries will come together, to strive for this objective.
Alright, my “sermon” is over. Time for you to explore this epic, 85 minute, musical journey for yourself. Beyoncé and a host of special guests have crafted a unique work, hopefully, for everyone’s enjoyment. What did you think of it? Please offer your thoughts, below. As a former artist manager, I am always curious to read what format(s) of music you consume these days? Physical Blu-ray, & vinyl (making a comeback), streaming music subscriptions, free music video channels or via paid downloads? Consider becoming a member of the AppFlicks community as either an AppFlicker Critic, JoulePepper Contributor or AuteurX Creator via our Login page. Look forward to your JoulePepper rating of my Black is King review and please let me know your comments in the JouleView section, below…
To recap, if you are a fan of Beyoncé, this is for you. Personally, I was hoping for a more “cultural” retelling of The Lion King (2019), featuring Beyoncé’s work from that Jon Favreau, directed, film, with a tighter narrative. Perhaps, I have to give it a second watch or listen. While I enjoyed much of this visual album, the story was far too abstract, to the point of distraction, so I give Black is King, 3.5 JoulePeppers – it’s Warm!
Welcome, from AppFlicks Chief AuteurX! I created AppFlicks out of my love for all-things entertainment, stints as a music manager, producer and as an advisor to film & game studios, telcos, lux brands, retail, hospitality & theme parks. Thank you for taking part in our streaming community! NOTE: Activity from my account, may also be initiated by AppFlicks Admin.
