Shirley is a biographical movie about the life of Shirley Chisholm movie written and directed by John Ridley starring Regina King.
A schoolteacher, elected to Congress. It was the early 70s, and Shirley Chisholm was also the first African American woman to run for the Presidency of the United States. A woman who ran without any backing, representing the members of the working class, the minorities.
A movie filled with hope, faith, and feminism.
Indeed, more than a racial candidacy, Shirley Chisholm based her campaign on gender politics and minorities, paving the way for a hopeful future.
A film about faith, but above all about clear-cut American politics.
About the movie
Faith, hope, and a lot of political film of good ideas, faith, hope, and political consciousness. A movie with its good ideas well defined (we don’t deny them at any moment) and does everything possible to assert its thesis.
A movie that comes to tell us an extraordinary story, we won’t deny that, a story that deserves to be told, full of heroism and faith in the minorities and reaffirms the very idea of the United States.
Well narrated, excellently filmed with a fabulous Regina King.
A movie that wants to be above the aesthetic virtues and prioritizes politics and social ideas above the cinematic arguments and defends a thesis, a social idea with all its vehemence.
Where to Watch “Shirley”
The director: John Ridley
John Ridley is an American screenwriter, film director, and novelist. He is best known for his work on the film “12 Years a Slave”, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2014. He has also written several novels, including “Stray Dogs” and “Those Who Walk in Darkness”. Ridley’s writing often focuses on issues of race and identity, and he is considered to be a significant voice in contemporary literature and film.
The Cast
Regina King is an American actress and director. She is best known for her roles in films such as “Jerry Maguire,” “Ray,” and “If Beale Street Could Talk.” She has also appeared in numerous television shows, including “227,” “The Boondocks,” and “American Crime.” In 2019, King won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “If Beale Street Could Talk.” She has also won multiple Emmy Awards for her work on television. King is known for her powerful performances and is considered one of the most talented actresses in Hollywood.
Lance Reddick was an American actor and musician. He is best known for his role as Cedric Daniels in the HBO crime drama series “The Wire” and as Phillip Broyles in the Fox science fiction series “Fringe.” Reddick has also had recurring roles in other popular TV shows such as “Lost,” “American Horror Story,” and “Bosch.” In addition to his acting career, Reddick was also a classically trained musician and has composed music for various films and TV shows.
Terrence Howard is an American actor, rapper, and singer. He is best known for his roles in popular films such as “Hustle & Flow,” “Iron Man,” and “Empire.” He has also appeared in television shows like “Law & Order: LA” and “Wayward Pines.” Howard has received critical acclaim for his acting skills, earning numerous awards and nominations throughout his career. Additionally, he is a talented musician and has released several albums. Born on March 11, 1969, in Chicago, Illinois, Howard continues to be an influential figure in the entertainment industry.
“Shirley” Official Movie Trailer
Who was Shirley Chisholm?
Shirley Chisholm’s historic run for the 1972 Democratic presidential nomination was not an easy one. As the first Black woman to be elected to Congress, she faced numerous challenges and barriers in her pursuit of the presidency.
Chisholm, who represented New York’s 12th congressional district, had already broken barriers when she was elected to Congress in 1968. She quickly established herself as a champion for civil rights and social justice issues. However, her decision to run for president in 1972 was met with skepticism and opposition from within her own party.
Despite this, Chisholm refused to back down. She believed that marginalized communities deserved representation at the highest level of government and saw her candidacy as an opportunity to bring attention to the issues that were important to them.
Throughout her campaign, Chisholm faced discrimination and sexism. She often spoke out against these injustices and called for greater diversity and inclusivity in politics. However, she also received significant support from grassroots organizations and individuals who recognized the importance of her message.
Ultimately, Chisholm’s run for the Democratic presidential nomination was unsuccessful. She faced numerous obstacles along the way, including being excluded from debates and facing backlash from establishment politicians.
However, her trailblazing campaign paved the way for future generations of women and people of color in politics. Despite not winning the nomination, Chisholm’s legacy continues to inspire countless individuals to challenge systemic inequalities and advocate for a more equitable society.
