Barry Jenkins version

[NurseButtercup]

Theoretically I should post this under TV but I want to have a proper conversation about this.

Last night I watched the first episode of Barry Jenkins - Underground Railroad.

It's full on, very much his style, very well acted (in my opinion), but there are two scenes that I cannot get out of my head.

I know I probably shouldn't but, it's highly likely that I will watch all ten episodes. I definitely cannot binge watch this.

Is anyone else watching?

I read the book but wasn’t sure if I wanted to feel overwhelmed by the despair and sorrow I knew watching the adaptation would evoke especially at this time.

Anyhow, I started watching a couple of nights ago and am on episode 3.

I think Barry has tried to give fullness to the portrayal of the characters and the film is beautifully shot but it is still difficult to watch.

I haven't seen it yet, but plan to start over this weekend.
I realise it will be difficult to watch, but at the same time feel that, I must.

Haven't sent out yet either, but it's definitely on my watch list

@Ishikundu

I haven't seen it yet, but plan to start over this weekend. I realise it will be difficult to watch, but at the same time feel that, I must.

It’s compelling but I’m half way through episode 3 and think I’ll have to take a break before moving on to 4.

It’s so heavy.

I still can't muster up the energy to watch the 2nd episode. This is so unlike me.

@NurseButtercup
Same here, I feel like I have to brace myself to continue.

I don't know if it's testimony to the skill of Jenkins and the cast that they've been able to fill the characters with the sensitivity that we're not accustomed to seeing in the usual Hollywood depictions of slavery.

Or it could be the extent to which I've been affected by the turmoil of the past year.

Whatever it is, it has affected me deeply.

[quote Maggiethecat]@NurseButtercup
Same here, I feel like I have to brace myself to continue.

I don't know if it's testimony to the skill of Jenkins and the cast that they've been able to fill the characters with the sensitivity that we're not accustomed to seeing in the usual Hollywood depictions of slavery.

Or it could be the extent to which I've been affected by the turmoil of the past year.

Whatever it is, it has affected me deeply.[/quote]
I couldn't put my finger on what was wrong with me, but I think you've accurately summed it up.

The recent killings in Gaza is very upsetting plus I ended up down a rabbit hole reading about how Germany carried out the genocide of the two largest Namibian tribes during early 1900's.

My knowledge about the murder of innocent quota is well and truly full.

I'm purposely listening to music to help me reminisce about my teens & 20's, I'm watching light hearted romcoms, drama & sci-fi only.

I understand what the previous posters are saying. I do not know how much more I can take right now, knowing what has been done to innocent people. I recently watched a programme on bbc2, it was about an oxford student who was finding out about a man called Voulet. What this Voulet did to the people in Africa is horrifying. I was going to watch the underground railroad, but after reading this thread will give it a miss for now. One must protect their mental health, when the knowledge of black suffering gets to be too much deal with.