Sound the alarms; we are having a revolution! Well, actually, my opinions have been solicited; I had the privilege of prescreening Focus Features’ new film, The Uprising.
The Uprising stars Andrew Garfield as the legendary leader, Ploughman, of a ferocious rebellion against the tyranny of King Richard II. As war burns across England, he forms an army of the people to face the King’s might in a fight for justice and survival.
“Enough. We have given you enough!”
-Ploughman
Everyone has a boiling point, and things are just the way they are until they’re not. I cannot wait to rewatch The Uprising; I love a good historical film that echoes timeless messages. Leadership is felt, and true leaders speak the heart, pain, and truth of the people. Not necessarily the loudest voice in the room, but always the most impactful.
Ploughman wasn’t interested in revenge or even leading the rebellion; he sought justice in a system set up against him and his people. He was able to articulate and stand against normalized suffering, shifting the perspective from “this is just the way it is.” He built a community of unspoken pain that led to an army beseeching King Richard for justice.
“Without words, there’s only chaos and fear”
– Queen Mother
While watching the film, it became apparent that many bestow the title of leader upon themselves to seek personal revenge. But revenge can’t fuel a revolution; it leads to chaos and confusion. Systematic change leads to justice, and you can’t expect the one who benefits from the system the most to become your ally.
“Justice has a price, does it not?”
-King Richard II
I highly recommend everyone mark their calendars for September 11, 2026, and watch The Uprising in theaters! Revisiting the past offers many lessons, and sometimes our most valuable tool is patience. Sit back, enjoy an amazing film, and create a plan.
“Kill a king, and there will always be another.”
-Ploughman
Kareema | The Misunderstood Afro-Muslimah 
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