Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Strong, ethical heroine elevates violent bad-cop actioner.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Black and Blue
What's the Story?
In BLACK AND BLUE, Alicia West (Naomie Harris) is struggling with her identity as an African American cop in a primarily Black neighborhood that doesn't trust the police. Things get even more complicated when her body cam records the murder of a drug dealer by corrupt cops. With most of the police force and criminal underbelly out to get her, Alicia must find a place to hide and upload the footage before the whole system is erased.
Is It Any Good?
Alicia West is a character who deserves a franchise: a toughie who rises above underprivileged origins to become a champion of justice. Playing a former solider-turned-cop, Harris offers an authentic intensity; through her eyes, viewers see that all of our actions matter, whether it's cops taking a candy bar from a market without paying, a mom not being present for her 10-year-old, or a gangster recognizing when he's made a mistake. Tyrese Gibson plays Alicia's reluctant accomplice with an emotional accessibility that allows viewers to feel the challenges of being a Black man trying to live an honest life in a crime-ridden town.
Black and Blue's suspense is intense, and the action is riveting, but, at its core, this is a street justice film. The movie gives voice to those who are painfully familiar with racial profiling -- and the shame and frustration that come from feeling like you're always under suspicion just because of where you live. It flips the power dynamic by putting cops on the same immoral level as assault weapon-toting drug dealers and then elevates the audience's opinion of the criminals. In a scene in which a gang leader and a dirty detective tussle over a gun, you'll likely find yourself rooting for the former, even though he was just threatening to kill the main characters. Black and Blue offers validation to viewers who are weary of racial injustice. Just be careful not to miss the movie's message: that the lack of trust, empathy, and decency toward one another is tearing us apart.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the role that race plays in law enforcement action and attitudes. What can be done to counteract institutional bias toward people of color or those who live in impoverished areas?
What techniques do the filmmakers use to make an intimidating drug dealer a sympathetic character? Are you OK with that? Why do you think police corruption is a favorite subject of filmmakers?
How realistic is Black and Blue's violence? What techniques do filmmakers use to create realistic violence as opposed to fantasy violence? Which has greater impact?
How does Alicia West demonstrate courage, perseverance, empathy, and integrity? Why are those important character strengths? Why is she a role model? Why is positive gender and racial representation important?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 25, 2019
- On DVD or streaming : January 21, 2020
- Cast : Mike Colter , Naomie Harris , Frank Grillo
- Director : Deon Taylor
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Director(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Sony Pictures Releasing
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Integrity , Perseverance
- Run time : 108 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence and language
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : December 4, 2025
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