Watch The Learning Tree

The Learning Tree is a 1969 coming-of-age drama film directed by Gordon Parks, Sr. and based on his semi-autobiographical novel of the same name. Set in the early 1920s in rural Kansas, the film follows the life of young Newt Winger (played by Kyle Johnson), a black boy growing up amid the racial segregation and discrimination of the Jim Crow era.

Newt, who is an aspiring photographer, navigates his way through the challenges of growing up in a town that is divided between black and white. He faces bullying and racism, but also finds love, friendship, and support from his family and community. Newt has close relationships with his father (played by Wendell Harper), his mother (played by Estelle Evans), and his best friend Marcus (played by Alex Clarke).

The film explores the themes of racism, prejudice, and identity, as well as the importance of family, community, and education. Newt's father works as a lumberjack, and his mother is a housekeeper for a white family. Despite their difficult circumstances, Newt's parents instil in him the values of hard work, honesty, and respect for others. Newt's father, who is a former slave, tells him stories about his past and the struggle for freedom and equality.

Newt's experiences of racism and discrimination are shown in a number of scenes throughout the film. In one such scene, he is stopped by a white police officer while riding his bike, who accuses him of stealing it. In another, a group of white boys chase him and Marcus through the woods, throwing rocks and shouting racial slurs. But the film also shows moments of solidarity and support from the African American community, such as when Newt's mother helps a sick white woman despite the woman's husband's objection.

The film's stunning visual imagery captures the beauty of the Kansas landscape, from the serene countryside to the wide-open skies. Newt's passion for photography is portrayed vividly in scenes where he takes pictures of his surroundings, capturing the beauty and wonder of the world around him.

The relationship between Newt and Marcus is a central theme of the film. The boys are inseparable and have a bond that is unbreakable. Their friendship provides them with a sense of comfort and security in a world that often threatens to tear them apart. The film brilliantly shows the dynamic of their friendship, and how it is tested by the pressures of racial injustice.

The Learning Tree is an honest and powerful representation of the African American experience in America's past. The film's focus on a young boy's coming-of-age story, set against the backdrop of racial segregation, is a bold statement for its time. The themes of the film remain relevant today, reminding us of the importance of unity, resilience, and the search for equality and justice.

In conclusion, The Learning Tree is a thought-provoking film that will leave the viewers with a deep appreciation of the African American experience in the early 20th century. The film's themes of segregation, racism, and identity resonate with audiences even today, making it an important piece of American cinema. The film is a must-watch for anyone interested in history, social justice, and coming-of-age stories.

The Learning Tree is a 1969 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.