Over the years I had come across the narrative of a black teenager who was killed for interacting with a white woman in the 50s and each time I was incredulous that this had happened. And now, after all this country has been through, it is important to understand the long-standing roots of this behavior. Bravo to ABC for bringing this important story of racism to its viewers. Kudos to the actors for their brave performances. Not everyone grieves by wailing over a casket, some do so by taking action. Don't expect the tears to come when you expect them to.
25 Reviews
The Same Things Are Still Happening Today!
silicontourist3 February 2022
This was a superbly made drama with a superbly ensemble cast who acted outstandingly! Adrienne Warren as Mamie Till Mobley played her role with deep emotional sensitivity and power; and you truly felt her pain throughout!
I was 9 months old when this horrific, barbaric racist murder was committed, by 2 white trash southern united states morons, and now at 67 I was heartbroken and given over to tears; as I tried to comprehend how full grown men could do this to a 14 year old child.
This is a drama that should become part of American history lessons in schools, to show the proof of what many southern rednecks in America did and still do. The justice system is still abused and stacked against people of colour in the USA; much of it being done by law enforcement Klu Klux Kops.
America try's to cover this sort of thing up, so its good to see these racist true life events, of racial brutality, being aired to the nation and the world. Its a powerful and disturbing drama (though it does not show, or tell, the real brutally horrific horror of what happened to the 14 year old Emmet Till) that will open eyes!
I was 9 months old when this horrific, barbaric racist murder was committed, by 2 white trash southern united states morons, and now at 67 I was heartbroken and given over to tears; as I tried to comprehend how full grown men could do this to a 14 year old child.
This is a drama that should become part of American history lessons in schools, to show the proof of what many southern rednecks in America did and still do. The justice system is still abused and stacked against people of colour in the USA; much of it being done by law enforcement Klu Klux Kops.
America try's to cover this sort of thing up, so its good to see these racist true life events, of racial brutality, being aired to the nation and the world. Its a powerful and disturbing drama (though it does not show, or tell, the real brutally horrific horror of what happened to the 14 year old Emmet Till) that will open eyes!
Very watered down and safe
oredp-3147324 January 2022
I'm finally glad they made a story about Emmett till unfortunately they should have showed all of what was done to that boy. So people can understand the pain and despair he went through as he was being tortured by these men it should have been more like Passion of the Christ because he was basically crucified and thrown into the river like a dog. This is truly not the end of this story.
I was a witness to her pain
jeannenefrazier14 January 2022
I was 8 years old when Emmitt Tills body was on display in the church on State Street in the 40th hundred block on State Street. My best friends father was a fire fighter in Chicago with 6 daughters. He put his daughters and myself in his 1954 Chevy and took us to the viewing. We stood in line and waited. I was to short to actually see him, so he lifted me up to get a full view. Ms. Mamie stood at the head of her sons casket and wailed continually wailed "Look what they did to my son." I will go to my grave with that picture imprinted on my brain and in my soul which has directed my life. My husband was a student at the school Emmitt attended. His death left a lasting impression on my generation. She was a inspiration in our community. We shared the same barber she was a force to be inspired by. God rest their souls and we need to to act with the strength she displayed.
Great Movie! Our history needed this!
romeovision20028 January 2022
The plight of African-Americans was not the same as it is now. Yes, we still have inequities. We currently have the power to speak up. In that era, the lack of empathy, lack of concern & lack of understanding between the races was extremely high to say the least!
With that said, I loved this movie. Realistic acting, quality reenactments (as best as possible) and credibility given to our black history. They did what needed to be done.
With that said, I loved this movie. Realistic acting, quality reenactments (as best as possible) and credibility given to our black history. They did what needed to be done.
Captivating!
BudoSenpai21 January 2022
First of all, Adrienne Warren is an absolutely beautiful talented young lady, as was Mamie Till-Mobley. After watching this series, I do have to say that Adrienne's performance was outstanding.
Before every episode a warning is announced that states, "This content can be triggering due to historical and current-day traumatic experiences" Well, this statement could not have been more accurate. I was triggered right from the very beginning!
Fact: "Black newborn babies in the United States are more likely to survive childbirth if they are cared for by Black doctors, but three times more likely than white Babies to die when looked after by white doctors." The nonchalant attitudes of the nurse and doctor just pissed me off. You can only imagine how differently a white woman (especially during that time)would have been treated if she was possibly running a fever, sweating profusely, in great pain, and her water broke.
Anyway, there are many people that don't appreciate films such as this one. They will make negative comments about the acting and and deliberately submit poor ratings, but never once acknowledge anything about the heinous criminal act committed against Emmett Till by two racists.
Some of them are the same people that don't want their kids to be taught about critical race theory/race education in school.
There are still many who don't want this story to be told. This person had this to say at the end of his or her review. "Do not have enough to be really empathetic" Really?! No person of color in their right mind would write something like this. Just the thought of any innocent fourteen year old being kidnapped, savagely tortured, mutilated, lynched and shot in the head by racists should be enough to make anyone feel empathetic, regardless of how poorly you feel this tragic story was portrayed. What is even sadder, Emmett Till's memorial signs were vandalized several times; a couple of them riddled with bullet holes.
Before every episode a warning is announced that states, "This content can be triggering due to historical and current-day traumatic experiences" Well, this statement could not have been more accurate. I was triggered right from the very beginning!
Fact: "Black newborn babies in the United States are more likely to survive childbirth if they are cared for by Black doctors, but three times more likely than white Babies to die when looked after by white doctors." The nonchalant attitudes of the nurse and doctor just pissed me off. You can only imagine how differently a white woman (especially during that time)would have been treated if she was possibly running a fever, sweating profusely, in great pain, and her water broke.
Anyway, there are many people that don't appreciate films such as this one. They will make negative comments about the acting and and deliberately submit poor ratings, but never once acknowledge anything about the heinous criminal act committed against Emmett Till by two racists.
Some of them are the same people that don't want their kids to be taught about critical race theory/race education in school.
There are still many who don't want this story to be told. This person had this to say at the end of his or her review. "Do not have enough to be really empathetic" Really?! No person of color in their right mind would write something like this. Just the thought of any innocent fourteen year old being kidnapped, savagely tortured, mutilated, lynched and shot in the head by racists should be enough to make anyone feel empathetic, regardless of how poorly you feel this tragic story was portrayed. What is even sadder, Emmett Till's memorial signs were vandalized several times; a couple of them riddled with bullet holes.
A story that needed to be told
blaxblew21 January 2022
Most of us know the 50 ft level story of Emmett Till. I am very thankful for this televised event that provided us with more intimate details as to what led up to his horrific death and the aftermath. While I am glad that this story has been told, a few things. It is way too long. At most, it should have been a 2 night event. And that's being generous. This is a powerful story that tells itself. The strumming violins and overwrought acting ironically diminishes its value. We all know tragically how the story ends. So we don't need the heavy-handedness of the directing and the music. What we needed was better editing and more nuanced storytelling. The most troubling part for me of all is Mamie Till herself. Adrienne Warren is a very good actress, but you can almost see her acting. She doesn't really inhabit the spirit of Mamie so much as she looks like a dressed up character. I hope some understand what I mean by that. If you don't, Angela Bassett and What's Love Got to Do with It. I was also deeply troubled that we never really saw her grieving before they jumped to showing the stereotypical strong Black woman who's always strategizing. It's important to show the humanity of Black women including our frailty when we experience extreme trauma and tragedy. It is almost unbelievable to think that a woman would look at her child's brutalize, mangled body and immediately start thinking strategy for the cause. I did not like that at all. If anything, they should have spent at least half a night focusing on her grief and remembrance of her child, not her immediate flip the switch to "the movement." All that said, I think it was still necessary and worthwhile to have this story told and I'm very glad to have been able to see it.
Sacred territory
michelleoverton21 January 2022
I began watching this series the first night it was aired. However, it wasn't an easy decision. I felt like the subject of Emmet Till's death might be hard to watch play out on television. They have covered his death in other documentaries and in. Lovecraft Country but not as the primary focus. I was concerned with knowing the details and seeing how it happened play out on tv. It's still something that happens today with police brutality and disregard for colored life. I believe the writers and actors did an exceptional job so far by giving the situation the honor and respect that it deserves.
Actual historical event is more inspiring than this show
TaylorYee9422 December 2022
'Women of the Movement' cannot decide which story to focus on: Mamie standing up against injustice, endearing mother-son relationship, guilt of Mose Wright, how Mississippi and South are corrupted, or what really happened between Carolyn Bryant and Emmett Till at the store. The stories are everywhere, unorganized. Of course, a show can can cover as many stories as possible, but it has to have backbone. I cannot understand how Carolyn Bryant is portrayed and how much attention she gets. Also, what about Mose Wright's emotional and touching reunion with family? Why does it get so much highlight? The show spends so much time on that insignificant storyline.
A lead actress's performance is dreadful. She 'acts' the whole time. I can never see Mamie Bardley but Adrienne Warren the whole time. It's like turning on and off switch. Anger, sadness, depression.. No connection between each feeling. She keeps the same frowning face among anger, sadness, and depression. She is not charismatic enough to lead AT ALL.
One of those shows that explains too much and shows too little. Very disappointing.
A lead actress's performance is dreadful. She 'acts' the whole time. I can never see Mamie Bardley but Adrienne Warren the whole time. It's like turning on and off switch. Anger, sadness, depression.. No connection between each feeling. She keeps the same frowning face among anger, sadness, and depression. She is not charismatic enough to lead AT ALL.
One of those shows that explains too much and shows too little. Very disappointing.
Disappointed
tangiesloan11 January 2022
I have read nearly every book about Emmett Till . I was friends with his cousins on Facebook and heard many stories and this one has some miss information. Simeon wrote a book right before he died that was an eyewitness account and his story was so powerful and Mamie Till's book she spoke more in-depth about the story of Emmett's father and how his death was similar it was very eerie. They definitely should've had Keith Beauchamp help with this project as he knows this family very well and has interviewed many of them. The acting I must say is really bad and it lacks the emotion that you need to tell this story. As long as the world has waited to see this story I just thought it would be more powerful acting . The characters should've studied more about them it lacks the real fun personality Emmett had and show how he was a jokester but still very much a little boy and Mamie her mannerisms were so very proper at all times she was very much in control of her emotions and had strong faith in God. Hopefully the next couple episodes the acting will become more real.
Must Watch
dropdeadjg8 January 2022
A powerful, moving and emotional series. It shows the truth and outrage of US History but also the light and movement that tragedy can spark. It moves you witnessing the turning point in time and the strength and will power of a mothers love. I do wish this was a movie as I feel more build up could of been done of the background and the time this was in order to really put you there but I still recommend this to watch.
Adequate
lynnebruesch7 January 2022
I'll watch it again and again!!!!
jcogdell22 January 2022
The actor who played Mamie Till really embodied her character. She deserve every award available to man kind itself: My kids really enjoyed learning more about the death of Emmit Till despite what we've taught them at home. This movie really opened their eyes to what we're experiencing in our world today on another level.
History
adrianajvigil8 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
It's beautifully written and put together. The story of Emmett Till and His mothers fight to find her boy and his accusers. I can't explain the emotion I felt watching this show but when they opened the casket is truly where you see his mothers true pain. It's a story based in true events. That being said it's worth the watch. It may teach you something about something. The actors are well directed in fully capturing the emotions. The script was well written. The research was done to get the story right. Whatever you feel, after watching the first episode you won't forget his name.
"I want them to see what they did to my boy"
airborne_trooper31 January 2022
First I'll say that this was a fantastic series and an important story that needed to be told. The set pieces were top notch, as with the cinematography, actors/actresses and particularly the wardrobe. I noticed they re-created exactly what Bradley was wearing the day she viewed her son's body.
Now with that, I have one major gripe with this series. Bradley was courageous enough to allow the world to see what those men did. It was shocking to the senses I'm sure. I feel that this series was far too cautious with it. I get trying to toe the line of not being exploitive and gory. But people NEED to see this. And not in two second bursts. Bradley wanted people to see what those men did and glazing over it isn't going to change what happened.
Same goes for the actual assault. They skipped right over it. Why?
Again, good series, but sometimes you gotta just show the whole truth, not just the outcome.
Now with that, I have one major gripe with this series. Bradley was courageous enough to allow the world to see what those men did. It was shocking to the senses I'm sure. I feel that this series was far too cautious with it. I get trying to toe the line of not being exploitive and gory. But people NEED to see this. And not in two second bursts. Bradley wanted people to see what those men did and glazing over it isn't going to change what happened.
Same goes for the actual assault. They skipped right over it. Why?
Again, good series, but sometimes you gotta just show the whole truth, not just the outcome.
Very moving and impeccably researched
thealeciathomas18 January 2022
This mini series is very well acted and contains amazing touches like paying attention to what the characters were wearing in historic photos (like Mamies stick animal print dress when Emmets coffin arrived) and duplicating it exactly. This show is full of countless authentic little touches and it adds so much. Cedric Joe who I last saw in Space Jam Ii is so charming as Emmett. Only four episodes in but I know this should be a 10 and also seen by as many people as possible.
Heavy handed and clumsy version.
LW-0885428 December 2023
The mini series is quite good in spots but in others a bit trashy with huge dumps of exposition. The weaknesses of the series is how every thought or feeling must be spoken out loud. Characters explode into animation about what they're going to do next and why they're going to do it. Every transition is also underlined with a dramatic closing line or scene or look too, the editing just feels so overdone. The way it's written as well is a group of characters will all be sat round together, character a will speak, then character b, then C, then back to A, it's so basic. Much of the dialogue too is so on the nose. "I can't believe it, there's gonna be a trial!" There are some nice details of how the preparations for a trial work. It also shows how juries may be influenced by what's going on around them. The series wants to be a kind of thriller but the ending is already signposted in advance and it's not a happy one. The series does actually give some unexpected sympathy to some characters you wouldn't think it would. Again though the dialogue is so on the nose "We get the truth out there this wasn't a fair Mississippi trial!" Uncle mo fights back in court, but it a bit too late I'd say? "I think its time we took control of the narrative!" Where the series is at it's best though is more where it starts asking hard questions, like was the mother later exploited by various other groups? I would like to have had more of the grandmother character in the story too. The series is also attempting to do something very difficult which is tell the story of a horrible injustice and turn it into a story of justice.
Incredible Docuseries
tyranhardin7 July 2022
This was one of the best historical dramas I've ever seen. The acting was incredible and so touching. Given the books I've read and interviews I've watched, the effort and accuracy put into this series is truly astounding.
Perfect Timing
JoshuaMoody_GovP_202230 January 2022
I'm so proud of the cast and crew who worked tirelessly to create such an authentic production. Producing Woman of the Movement was such an inspiring experience to witness ; I've never seen so many industry professionals get together in rural Mississippi and Memphis, TN to create a production of this magnitude, inspirational impact, and nationwide acclaim. Adrienne Warren (I), I'll always be a super fan; you performed with absolute perfection! Great job guys and gals!
Another Dark Chapter in the Confederate South ignored
duvernaycpu7 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Events that unfolded when a Chicago teenage African American boy visits the south in 1955 unrealizing a harmless dare lands him in unjustified circumstances because of the so called racist "Jim Crow" laws of the southeastern United States during that time.
It is very well produced however it cant provide enough substance to justify the brutality of what happened to this innocent person without actually being witness at the time of the offense.
There IS wonder however as to just how MANY viewers in the "former Jim Crow South" states who turned the channel when they saw what happened in this story and became ignorant and didnt want to admit this REALLY happened............... ...............Unfortunately we live in a society where MANY think that EXACT way to THIS day.
It is very well produced however it cant provide enough substance to justify the brutality of what happened to this innocent person without actually being witness at the time of the offense.
There IS wonder however as to just how MANY viewers in the "former Jim Crow South" states who turned the channel when they saw what happened in this story and became ignorant and didnt want to admit this REALLY happened............... ...............Unfortunately we live in a society where MANY think that EXACT way to THIS day.
Women of the Movement was a compelling mini-series about Emmett Till's fate and what his mother did afterwards
tavm2 July 2022
Mom and I just watched all six episodes of this mini-series about what happened to Emmett Till and what his mother Mamie did after she learned of the whole tragic situation. Quite intense what's depicted so much so that the "Viewer discresion is advised" disclaimer usually appeared when the program came back from commercial with the "TV MA" rating being printed on the upper left hand corner as the film resumed. It's sad seeing what happens during the trial and afterwards and with the way things are today, there's always the possibility that things could possibly go back that way again...unless there are enough citizens of this country that are not willing to do that having watched something like this or seen how some people in power think they're invincible like a certain former president. Anyway, Women of the Movement comes highly recommended from Mom and me.
Incredibly powerful and haunting series
martinpersson9717 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This series, based on true events, is a very important piece of history, brilliantly fictionalized, that is definitely recommended fof anyone.
The script is haunting, very cleverly put together, and just intensly sad. I would very much recommend that you do not spoil yourself by reading the actual history before this series if you are not familiar with it, since it turns out even more powerful.
Overall, a brilliantly acted and written series that I would recommend for everyone - both in terms of filmmaking merit, but also to take in this incredible and saddening tale of what shouldn't have been, and hopefully won't be again to the same extent.
The script is haunting, very cleverly put together, and just intensly sad. I would very much recommend that you do not spoil yourself by reading the actual history before this series if you are not familiar with it, since it turns out even more powerful.
Overall, a brilliantly acted and written series that I would recommend for everyone - both in terms of filmmaking merit, but also to take in this incredible and saddening tale of what shouldn't have been, and hopefully won't be again to the same extent.
History I did not know enough about before
GIJoel610 February 2023
If you want to know why the theatrically released film "Till" (2022) did not get any Oscar nominations, overall, or for the outstanding Danielle Deadwyler (who also shined in the HBOMax series "Station Eleven" the same year) as Mamie, it's because this series already told the story and Adrienne Warren already played the role to perfection half a year before the film came out. Newcomer Cedric Joe was sweetly excellent as young Emmett, and Glynn Turman (also very good in the latest season of FX's "Fargo" series) gave the best performance of his long career as Uncle Mose. Bravo to ABC for telling this important story with this superb production. If you watched this, you probably won't need to see the film; tho I have no doubt Deadwyler is also worth watching. Acting students will definitely benefit from watching both.
My Heart Breaks for the Till Family
pbkmnjdf5 June 2023
I was raised in a small northern town and had one African American male in my school. My parents raised me to treat everyone as equal. It wasn't until I moved into the Deep South did I start to see the difference. I was astonished and sickened by the treatment.
This story broke my heart. Justice wasn't served and this case is a black stain of sin on our justice system.
I think I need to stop being surprised at how horrible humans are to each other. From WW2 to our own history, we destroy everything.
Do better! Be a better kinder human. This is a show that I would recommend. I believe it is accurate. Thank you for helping to bring light to travesty. This show reminded of Just Mercy with Michael B. Jordan. I left that movie sobbing. This show is going to do the same.
This story broke my heart. Justice wasn't served and this case is a black stain of sin on our justice system.
I think I need to stop being surprised at how horrible humans are to each other. From WW2 to our own history, we destroy everything.
Do better! Be a better kinder human. This is a show that I would recommend. I believe it is accurate. Thank you for helping to bring light to travesty. This show reminded of Just Mercy with Michael B. Jordan. I left that movie sobbing. This show is going to do the same.
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