Extra Cinema: Selma (12A)

Undated Film Still Handout from Selma. Pictured: David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King, Jr. and Carmen Ejogo as Coretta Scott King. See PA Feature FILM Oyelowo. Picture credit should read: PA Photo/Paramount Pictures/Atsushi Nishijima. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature FILM Oyelowo.

More than 45 years after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr, director Ava DuVernay honours the memory of the leader of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement with this impassioned biopic.

While there are lingering doubts about the historical accuracy of Selma, the emotional wallop the film delivers is beyond question.

Oxford-born actor David Oyelowo delivers a breakout performance replete with Georgia accent as the activist.

DuVernay opens with a chilling act of violence that exemplifies racial tensions and Selma skilfully ebbs and flows between events in Alabama and Washington, relentlessly cranking up the tension on both sides of the debate.

Roth chews scenery as the Governor who believes resistance should be met with force, while Wilkinson brings desperation to the most powerful man on Capitol Hill.

Luther King Jr had a dream and we are minded that we must all continue to chase it.

Rating: 8/10