Last week I saw a pre-screening for the new film 12 Bridges. I would give the film 5 out of 5 stars. We’ve been having some really good films lately that mirror the climate of American culture as it relates to how civilians view police officers. For example, Black & Blue looked at the idea of a Black police officer having to choose between her people, her morals, and members of her police department.
I’m not going to give away 12 Bridges because that would be unethical, but I will share some of my thoughts on it. It is a very suspenseful and unpredictable film that will have the viewers on the edge of their seats with every twist of the plot.
I love how the movie opened up with the reading of the below scripture:
For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. – Romans 13:4 (NIV)
When and how is this scripture applicable? Does the scripture mean that everything that everyone does in authority is correct? Does the scripture mean that God is in agreement with all that those in authority do?
Those questions have been raised in today’s American culture as it relates to many of the headlines we’ve seen regarding deaths of innocent Black civilians by police officers. The film is about far more than what we’ve seen in our headlines, but it provides a mirror on how we should respond to corruption in leadership? Should we turn a blind eye or should we hold accountable those in authority?
The film shows a very handsome, educated, heart-felt and well-meaning Black man played as the leading role by Chadwick Boseman. His character holds a strong conviction to get to the bottom of what’s going on in New York City by shutting down 21 bridges in order to solve a crime that resulted in the death of 7 police officers.
I also feel that Chadwick’s role mirrors African-American culture that shows over and over again how Afro-Americans who held strong convictions, often inspired by a relationship with God, have held America to a high standard as it relates to the morale of this country. Chadwick’s character does that very well. He is one who the film show’s in the beginning as very acquainted with injustice, hardship, and loss. Thus, he carries that strong conviction with him throughout his career. He, in essence, became the perfect person for the job through his experiences coming up.
You’ll have to watch the film when it comes out on November 22nd to know in full what I am talking about. Then you can come back and read this article again and say awe to yourself. What do you think the above scriptures mean? What would be your answer to the questions above? Comment below:
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