Watch For Us, the Living: The Story of Medgar Evers

For Us, the Living: The Story of Medgar Evers is a powerful biographical drama that explores the life and legacy of the civil rights leader who was tragically assassinated in 1963. Directed by Michael Schultz and starring a talented cast that includes Howard E. Rollins, Jr., Margaret Avery, Roscoe Lee Browne, Irene Cara, Tim Card, Laurence Fishburne, Larry Larson, Janet MacLachlan, and Kevin McCorkle, the film vividly brings to life the struggles and triumphs of a man who fought tirelessly for racial equality in the face of immense hatred and violence.

The movie begins in Mississippi in the late 1950s and follows Evers (Rollins), a World War II veteran and NAACP field secretary, as he leads the fight for civil rights in his home state. Evers faces constant threats to his life and his family's safety as he works to desegregate schools, push for voting rights, and expose police brutality against African Americans. The film does not shy away from the brutality of the era, depicting Evers and other activists being beaten, arrested, and harassed by law enforcement and white supremacists.

Despite the danger and adversity he faces, Evers remains steadfast in his commitment to justice and equality. He is portrayed as a brilliant strategist who knows how to use the media and public opinion to his advantage, as well as a devoted husband and father who struggles to balance his activism with his family responsibilities. Rollins gives a nuanced and powerful performance as Evers, capturing both his charisma and his vulnerability, and embodying the courage and determination that made him a hero to so many.

The supporting cast is also excellent, with Avery and Browne standing out as Evers' wife and brother, respectively, and Fishburne making a memorable appearance as a fellow activist. The film's soundtrack, which features original music by Cara and Card, adds to the emotional impact of the story, with stirring gospel hymns and soulful ballads conveying both the sorrow and the hope of the civil rights struggle.

Overall, For Us, the Living: The Story of Medgar Evers is a moving and thought-provoking film that offers a vivid portrait of an important historical figure and the turbulent times in which he lived. It illuminates the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought for racial justice, as well as the ongoing struggles and challenges that continue to confront us today. This is a must-see film for anyone interested in the history of the civil rights movement and the ongoing struggle for social justice in America.

For Us, the Living: The Story of Medgar Evers is a 1983 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes.