thejcowboy22 Review of Morris from America

Morris from America (2016)

Polite Racism Morris the fish out of water.

[4/10 · 9 February 2022]

Even at the tender age of five, I knew what it was like to be different. Being of the Jewish faith,all my friends were Gentile and went to a different school. Even in my own household I was the only male sibling among the three sisters. Health wise, I was among the only student in my class with bronchial asthma. These differences seem so minuscule by comparison. Let me multiply the situation a bit further. Your 11 or 12 years of age. All your friends and neighbors are the same race. They speak the same language. Have the same local customs. Then your parents announce some shocking news no kid wants to hear, "We are moving." But wait there's more. We are moving to a different country far away where the people speak a different language. Welcome to the world of 13 year old Morris Gentry. This stocky tween of color is thrown into a world of precision and the unfriendliness of Modern Germany. Morris is played by Markees Christmas as he ventures out into the town famous for its city scapes and where the first printing press was invented Heidleberg, Germany. Like most kids of Generation C he is attached to his devises i.e., laptop, IPhone. His Dad (Craig Robinson) recently lost his wife to illness, suggests he gets out and makes some friends. He is also prodded by the charming German tutor Inka (Carla Juri). Right from the start you see a reluctant young man of color thrown into the pool with Aryan sharks all around. Morris makes his way to the youth center where he pretty much keeps to himself. A few of his male counterparts are playing basketball as they suggest he joins them as they mock him openly calling him Kobe, This reference was after the top National Basketball Player of that era Kobe Bryant. Morris defiantly shows his disinterest until a girl catches his eye,and only in the movies, comes over and strikes up a conversation. The Blonde flirty Fraulein Katrin (Lina Keller) is breath of sunshine as Morris starts to show signs of receptiveness. She asked him what his talent is and he responds by telling her that he is a Gangsta Rapper. Katrin walks with him. They eat together. She even invites him over her house but I don't want to give this story away. Director and creator Chad Hardigan takes us through the eyes and ears of Morris as he tries to fit into a world that shows racism in a different manner. He is basically used as a prop by his peers but you'll see the subtle insults by his German counterparts. Combined with growing up into manhood with all its awkwardness and pratfalls, that comes with the territory, his dilemma is multiplied with a foreign twist. A truthful look and reactions to someone of color roaming the streets of Europe. A film that strikes a chord with anyone who feels different from the masses. Breakout role for Markees Christmas who is appealing in any language.