At first his fate was uncertain, but since today he has been available on Apple TV+. Will Smith’s Emancipation is his first film since the Oscar scandal. But is this slave drama based on a true story worth it? The reviews are divided.
After Oscar slap: Will Smith’s Emancipation met with mixed feelings
Emancipation tells the true story of a slave (Smith) who flees his oppressors to join the Union Army during the US Civil War. The one created there Photo of his healed whip wounds actually went around the world in 1863 illustrating the horrors of slavery.
AppleTV+
Recreation of the famous “Whipped Peter” photo from Emancipation
That sounds like a moving story that showcases the talent of the lead actor provide ample ground for another Oscar-worthy performance could. Will Smith just shouldn’t pick up the Oscar himself. However, the echo of the reviews raises some doubts about the suitability of the film for an award (via Metacritic).
Although Variety speaks of a grippingly tough drama that due to the depiction of violence “almost unbearable” to look at be and by Smiths”ultra concentrated[e] and unusually reserved[e]“Performance benefit.
The Hollywood Reporter agrees with this praise, but at the same time laments the weak “more dramatic parts” from Antoine Fuqua’s directorial work. Such moments would have”needed a more subtle approach, when she the training day[Macher] can offer“.
Will Smith win second Oscar for Emancipation on Apple TV+?
Even looking at his acclaimed performance though, it is unlikely Smith will pick up another Oscar next year. Few Academy members will want to give him an award after his behavior this year. Additionally, back-to-back Oscar wins for Best Actor are extremely rare. Only Spencer Tracy and Tom Hanks have ever done it.
The 10 best films coming to Netflix and Co. in 2022
Before the streaming year ends, we bring you another 10 upcoming titles we’re most excited about in 2022.
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In this installment of the Moviepilot podcast Stream Gefluer we talk about Guillermo del Toro’s dark new version of Pinocchio, the Will Smith comeback Emancipation, the Knives Out sequel Glass Onion with Daniel Craig and the horror hype Barbarian, among others.
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What do you think of emancipation?