The American Civil War and the backdrop of Utah Territory in 1861 provides a couple of key backdrops to the brand-new period drama GREEN FLAKE.
Reflecting on his experiences in a recording allegedly made at the turn of the twentieth century, GREEN FLAKE chronicles the lead character’s humble beginnings as a childhood slave and his eventual growth into manhood, when he becomes a key figure in the protection of church and Mormon figures against Missouri militants who are determined to hold onto the old world of the past where inequality is the only equality. However, Flake is a practical man and somebody who sees beyond the light into the darkness of others – and not afraid to respond in kind if need be.
Flake’s abilities and skills are soon called for to help blaze a Pioneer trail West for the religious Saints he is in with, but the desire to survive and see loved ones amidst the chaos and challenge caused by the elements and the consequence of slavery, coupled with Flake’s own commitment to God, yields a much deeper odyssey….
This film was made for under $250k – and has to rank as one of the most amazing emotional and visual experiences given the low-budget – and fans of films like DANCES WITH WOLVES and THE REVENANT, as well as film-makers aspiring to make films like those traditional award winners, will find tremendous inspiration from the results on show here, which demonstrate a vision that looks like it was made for fifty times the budget.
It is time to cheer a film like this with its’ central black protagonist and his journey on the screen, which takes it above and beyond the standard slave-themed films we have seen in recent years. Partly similar in tone to THE CRICKETS DANCE, another film in the LAIFF, but contrasting in texture, GREEN FLAKE is an impressive effort, with all to be applauded from top to bottom.
Yahosh Bonner commands the screen in the lead role, with majesty and insight, combining intellect and bravura physical action as a character determined to remain true to his own religious and spiritual self, backed up by a strong supporting cast whose main objective is to yield much-required unity on screen.
Whilst we are in the current status quo, we need to be reminded that we are creatures of habit and we need to escape – and GREEN FLAKE is a movie that fulfils that need on a cinematic and emotional level.
At a time of ‘Black Lives Matter’, a film like GREEN FLAKE matters.
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