Inspired by an article in the Washington Post, the film is based on real events. The protagonist, Eugene Allen, is a black man who entered the White House in 1952 as a food steward. During his 34 years in office, there have been eight U.S. presidents, and Eugene eventually became the White House's most respected chief butler. What he witnessed not only included major historical events such as Kennedy's assassination and Nixon's resignation due to the Watergate incident, but also the ups and downs experienced by the black movement in the United States over the years, as well as the improvement and promotion of black rights. Just a year before his death, he He also appeared as a special guest at Obama's inauguration. The country has not forgotten him!
For some reason, it reminds me of a Chinese historical drama, The Emperor and the Eunuch. The biggest difference is that one is enslaving other "lower" nations, and the other is enslaving one's own compatriots. Although the president (emperor) has the greatest power, they often feel helpless and lonely, and they will want to chat with their personal servants (eunuchs), but these "subordinates" always understand one truth, that is, they don't listen, don't ask, don't answer. , all politics has nothing to do with oneself, and it is best to have nothing to do with oneself. In this regard, the actor Forest's acting skills are really in place. His humility and steadiness, his sophistication and indifference, he interprets the speech and behavior of a servant and a servant in the White House.
His wife was proud from the beginning, to incomprehension and indifference later, she believed that her husband invested more in the White House than the family. But without a black husband working in the White House, her life would not be as "well-off" as it is today, which women often can't figure out. Although there was a mid-life crisis, their love has come to the end of their lives. It is very touching. Love makes people afraid of getting old. After walking for a lifetime, watching each other turn from a young, youthful and beautiful to an old man and an old lady, their actions gradually slowed down. , communication began to have obstacles, the heart is bright, but the body can no longer keep up with the rhythm of the heart. Birth, old age, sickness and death are normal reincarnations, no one can escape, cherish the present and the people in front of you.
A father who has to serve white people has two sons who fight for race. This conflict is described a lot in the film, some are a look, some are a back, and there is a frontal conflict. When he was young, he could not choose between work and his son. The most important thing was to provide security and food for the whole family. When he was old, after he left his job, the relationship with his son became a new thought. In fact, this is also the silent pain of countless black people all their lives. His pain began when his father was robbed and beaten to death when he was a child.
When you feel wronged and hurt your self-esteem, think about this black race. They have suffered inhuman treatment for hundreds of years, and they are still trying their best to defend their rights and dignity. It is impossible for them to be unfair. The grief and indignation, there is nothing more unequal than this, just because of that black skin that can't be peeled off! Weep without tears!
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