Selma
2014, History/Drama, 2h 8m
314 Reviews 50,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Fueled by a gripping performance from David Oyelowo, Selma draws inspiration and dramatic power from the life and death of Martin Luther King, Jr. -- but doesn't ignore how far we remain from the ideals his work embodied. Read critic reviews
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Movie Info
Although the Civil Rights Act of 1964 legally desegregated the South, discrimination was still rampant in certain areas, making it very difficult for Blacks to register to vote. In 1965, an Alabama city became the battleground in the fight for suffrage. Despite violent opposition, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) and his followers pressed forward on an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, and their efforts culminated with President Lyndon Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Cast & Crew
David Oyelowo
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Tom Wilkinson
President Lyndon Baines Johnson
President Lyndon Baines Johnson
Carmen Ejogo
Coretta Scott King
Coretta Scott King
Giovanni Ribisi
Lee White
Lee White
Alessandro Nivola
John Doar
John Doar
Cuba Gooding Jr.
Fred Gray
Fred Gray
Critic Reviews for Selma
Audience Reviews for Selma
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May 27, 2017effective dramatisation. it could've been a bit longer though and a bit more detailed. tim roth did the best acting.Sanity Assassin ! Super Reviewer
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Jan 01, 2017The story of Martin Luther King's efforts to give black Americans the right to vote in the 1960s is mostly engaging and interestingly portrayed. Some conversations could have used some trimming, there are a few slow parts. But the acting is top notch, especially Oyelowo is fantastic during King's speeches. It is the ending with original footage from the walk that is particularly touching and well done. Especially when you realize what a step backwards we seem to be taking currently.Jens S Super Reviewer
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Dec 03, 2016I really liked this movie but was somewhat disappointed in it, too. There are three major scenes depicting the famous marches on the Edmund Pettus Bridge and each of them is historically accurate, powerful in their depiction and highly moving. There are other scenes that are not nearly so accurate, powerful or moving. Contrary to popular opinion I was not transfixed by the performance of David Oyelowo as Rev. Martin Luther King. President Lyndon Johnson's portrayal as an antagonist to MLK, I believe, is over exaggerated. The J. Edger Hoover fixation on Dr. King is underplayed. And, much more doesn't work for me. Nonetheless, Selma, as a whole, is worthy of our attention, our discussion on its merits and flaws and our our respecAldo G Super Reviewer
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Apr 08, 2016Has some pacing/editing issues, but the cast are all on top form.Marcus W Super Reviewer
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