Civil War

Daryl Davis, an African American musician, is well known for his interviews with KKK members. In the 1980s, Davis met with a high-ranking KKK member who came with an armed bodyguard. Although they learned more about their opposing viewpoints, they listened to each other respectfully.

This led to Davis receiving invitations to KKK’s rallies where he had the chance to speak with many racists. Eventually, he persuaded more than 200 people, including the high-ranking member, to leave the KKK. But could Davis recreate such remarkable encounters in the 2020s? The movie Civil War might offer some insight into this question.

Civil War presents an imagined scenario where the U.S. is divided into armed factions. The movie opens with the president ordering his opponents to surrender, calling them rebels. Meanwhile, an alliance is about to attack the White House. The story follows a group of journalists/photographers.

This movie takes the form of a road narrative, following these journalists on their journey to D.C to interview the president, even as government forces regard them as enemies whom they can shoot any time. However, journalism isn’t the primary focus. Instead, the movie illustrates the impact of civil war on ordinary citizens.

Along their way to the White House, the journalists encounter a variety of people: looters, violent vigilantes, soldiers from both sides, snipers, aid workers and civilians who don’t care about the civil war. The most tension-filled moment is when the journalists meet armed white supremacists.

He says, ‘What kind of American are you?’

Movies often mirror reality through imagination. Now, extreme division isn’t unique to the U.S. Many countries seem to be approaching a civil war. In the U.S., during the presidential election campaign, there were gun terrors.

Donald Trump wounded in campaign shooting.

In Korea, some individuals recently attempted to attack judges who ruled against their interest. In fact, Sudan is already going through a civil war with many casualties. Through its cinematic lens, this movie Civil War warns the world that continued division could lead to more terrible wars.

Men attack the court’s door, targeting the judge in South Korea.

This brings us back to our original question: Could Davis engage in dialogue with the KKK today? Or if Davis were one of the characters in the movie, would he decide to take part in the situation by doing interviews?

On Prime video, Apple TV and Coupang Play, you might find the answer. Beyond its social commentary, this movie offers impressive battle sequences around the White House and great character developments. These are additional reasons you have to watch this thought-provoking movie.