Watch Notes From the Field

Notes From the Field is a powerful and thought-provoking movie from 2018, directed by Kristi Zea, that explores the education injustice, especially among minorities, in America. It stars Ashley Nicole Baptiste, Anna Deavere Smith, and a host of other actors who played pivotal roles in highlighting the plight of vulnerable students and their struggle to access education.

The movie takes a unique approach by featuring Anna Deavere Smith, a renown American actress and playwright, who portrays multiple roles of students, teachers, and administrators. Her roles are based on interviews she conducted with people in various states, including those affected by the school-to-prison pipeline, where students of color are disproportionately suspended, expelled, or expelled to juvenile detention centers. Through her roles, Anna Deavere Smith provides a nuanced and realistic portrayal of real people's struggles, making the movie appear more real and immediate.

Ashley Nicole Baptiste plays an essential role as a student affected by the system, and her performance is exceptional as she strives to get an education despite the numerous challenges in her way. Her story forms a significant part of the movie, providing a glimpse into the challenges of students from minority backgrounds. Her mother, who runs an after-school program, also plays a crucial role in highlighting the difficulties students face and the lack of support from the government.

The film highlights a wide range of experiences within the educational system, including how school districts are being neglected, overcrowded, and underfunded, leading to a decline in educational quality. The movie doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of life in America's inner cities, with students often exposed to gun violence, drugs, and poverty, making it challenging to focus on education. Furthermore, the lack of resources also affects teachers, who are often overwhelmed, poorly paid, and overworked, leading to high burnout rates.

Notes From the Field is a film that uses art to deliver a thought-provoking message about education injustice in America. The film doesn't aim to provide solutions, but rather it seeks to raise awareness among the public and policymakers about the importance of investing in education. Through its moving performances, the film seeks to inspire change in the system and bring more attention to the issues plaguing American education.

The cinematography and the sound design of the movie are also remarkable. The film uses a mix of documentary-styled footage, reenactments, and interviews to provide a comprehensive view of the challenges students face. The sound design is also excellent, with an emphasis on the sounds of inner cities, including gunshots, sirens, and chaotic city streets. This approach intensifies the sense of urgency and the need for action to improve the educational experience for students.

Overall, Notes From the Field is a well-crafted movie that delves deep into the heart of America's education system, highlighting the challenges and injustices students face, especially those from minority backgrounds. The movie's blend of artistic and documentary-style filmmaking provides a fresh and engaging perspective on a topic that has been largely overlooked. This movie is a must-see for anyone who cares about education and social justice in America.

Notes From the Field is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.