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Ava DuVernay's 'Origin' Was Heartbreaking Yet Uplifting

 "Caste is a system that decides one kind deserves more freedom than another." 

"You should love who you love and go where you want."



Isabel Wilkerson, first woman of African-American heritage to win a Pulitzer Prize in journalism, and author of Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. Photo courtesy of isabelwilkerson.com

Ava DuVernay's 'Origin' stars Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Isabel Wilkerson. Photo courtesy of Neon.


The above quotes were paraphrased from Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor's portrayal of Pulitzer-winning Isabel Wilkerson in Ava DuVernay's 'Origin'. They were denouncing the harsh caste system against races all over the world, and favoring that we should get to be with who we want to love and live our lives without anyone or thing tearing us down.

'Origin' is about Wilkerson's journalistic journey to understand the why behind the murder of Tray'von Martin (whose birthday is today) and the racist caste systems against African Americans and different ethnic groups all over the world, namely the Jews during the Holocaust and Indians.

'Origin' was heartbreaking to me particularly when Wilkerson had to go through some family losses while writing her future book, 'Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents.' Though discomforting to see people of my race and opposite races suffering to enhance someone else's financial and social credit, it was uplifting to see another person (Wilkerson) dedicated to calling a time-out on silencing the dark history of the world and inspiring other people, colored and not, to do the same and get their justice and liberation.

Kris Bowers' score seemed reminiscent of piano and violin work from 'The Theory of Everything.' Given the drama of the whole film, it wasn't very uplifting to me. But that came in the form of Stan Walker singing "I Am" in the end credits.

I give 'Origin' a 9/10 for showing that even if we can't change the past, working together to change the racism in our present is what will unite this world. I admire Ellis-Taylor's performance. Her undying dedication to protecting the world, her family and others' families could be an inspiration to a lot of people, particularly writers or just plain idealists.

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