Unquestionably brave and provocative
Writer/director Cory Bowles delivers an unapologetic satire exploring race relations from several points of view. His title character Ronnie Rowe Jr, known simply as Black Cop, is stellar in his role as a complex, deeply flawed yet identifiable officer that I couldn't help root for. Already feeling disillusioned, Black Cop is racially profiled off duty in a scene that is executed perfectly and made me sweat. The traumatic event spurs a reaction in Black Cop that takes us on a journey with him as he goes Rogue for the day, flipping the script on the more privileged white community by profiling them and roughing them up.The film is timely and relevant and Bowles is unafraid to dive headfirst into the grey areas, having the viewer examine their own thoughts and feelings on the gravity of racial profiling and even in the lighter moments of the drama filled satire I was sitting in my own discomfort, compelled to explore my own conditioning and fears. Bowles takes a chance with his use of voiceover narration to reveal more of Black Cops actual character, as well as the use of body cam, cell phone footage and a radio show. It is done confidently and I felt that if the wrtiters intention was to create conversation and encourage critical thought then he was completely on the mark. Introducing us to Black Cop without an actual name as he navigates a nameless city that could be anywhere might be lost on some but I thought it was quite genious. It is worth mentioning that the music is fantastic and transitions seemlessly into the film. Black Cop is a must watch for all ages!
score 9/10
michd-06302 4 May 2018
Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw4153144/35356
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