Small Axe: Mangrove is a powerful film that tells the true story of a group of Black activists who fought against police racism and harassment in 1970s London. Directed by the critically acclaimed Steve McQueen, the film captures the events surrounding the landmark Mangrove Nine trial, which shook the British legal system and marked a turning point in the fight for racial justice.
Small Axe: Mangrove takes its name from the Mangrove restaurant, a vibrant hub for the Black community in Notting Hill. It was a place that not only served delicious Caribbean food but also provided a space for Black intellectuals, artists, and activists to gather and discuss the issues of the time. However, the Mangrove and its owner, Frank Crichlow, soon became the target of relentless police raids and harassment.
The film chronicles the struggles faced by Frank and his community as they fight back against the systemic racism and discrimination they encounter daily. With the help of passionate lawyers, the Mangrove Nine, including Black Panther activist Altheia Jones-LeCointe and British activist Darcus Howe, took their case to court and fought for their right to exist without fear.
While some may question the accuracy of Small Axe: Mangrove, it is important to note that the film is based on real events and real people. Steve McQueen and his team extensively researched the trial and interviewed those involved to ensure an authentic portrayal. The film not only sheds light on a pivotal moment in British history but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight against racial injustice.
Is Small Axe Mangrove Based on a True Story
Yes, “Small Axe: Mangrove” is based on a true story. The film, directed by Steve McQueen, is part of the “Small Axe” anthology that tells the stories of West Indian immigrants in London during the 1960s to 1980s. “Small Axe: Mangrove” specifically focuses on the Mangrove Nine trial that took place in 1970.
The Mangrove Nine were a group of activists and community leaders who were unjustly charged with incitement to riot and affray after a protest against police harassment and discrimination at the Mangrove restaurant in Notting Hill. The Mangrove restaurant served as a meeting place for Black intellectuals, artists, and activists at the time.
The trial lasted for 55 days and became a landmark case in British legal history. It exposed the institutional racism within the Metropolitan Police and the judicial system. The Mangrove Nine, despite facing a biased trial, ultimately achieved a significant victory when they were acquitted of the major charges.
Through “Small Axe: Mangrove,” Steve McQueen aims to shed light on this important chapter of British history and honor the bravery and resilience of the Mangrove Nine. The film serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight against racial injustice and the importance of standing up against systemic oppression.
Disclaimer: While “Small Axe: Mangrove” is based on true events, some aspects may have been fictionalized or adapted for storytelling purposes.
A Brief Background
Small Axe: Mangrove is based on a true story and is part of the anthology film series Small Axe directed by Steve McQueen. The film tells the story of the Mangrove Nine, a group of Black activists who were wrongfully arrested and tried in the late 1960s for protesting against police harassment and discrimination in London.
The Mangrove restaurant, located in the Notting Hill neighborhood of London, was a gathering place for the West Indian community and became a target of repeated police raids and harassment. The film explores the events leading up to the protest, the trial of the Mangrove Nine, and the impact of their case on the fight against racial injustice in the UK.
Through powerful storytelling and captivating performances, Small Axe: Mangrove sheds light on a pivotal moment in history and highlights the importance of community solidarity and resilience in the face of systemic racism and oppression.
Historical Accuracy
Small Axe: Mangrove is based on a true story and portrays the events that took place during the trial of the Mangrove Nine in the 1970s. The film provides a detailed and accurate depiction of the racial tension and injustice faced by the black community in Notting Hill at that time.
The director, Steve McQueen, conducted extensive research and interviewed individuals involved in the real-life events to ensure the historical accuracy of the film. He aimed to present a faithful representation of the struggles and resistance of the Mangrove Nine, as they fought against police brutality and racism.
Many of the events depicted in the film are directly based on eyewitness accounts and court transcripts from the trial, adding to the authenticity of the narrative. The film showcases the bravery and resilience of the defendants and their fight for justice.
The attention to detail in Small Axe: Mangrove extends to the costume design, set decoration, and overall production design. The film accurately recreates the atmosphere of 1970s London, capturing the fashion, music, and social dynamics of the time.
By staying true to the real-life events, Small Axe: Mangrove not only educates viewers about a significant moment in British history but also sheds light on the ongoing struggle for racial equality and the power of collective action.
The Real-Life Events
Although “Small Axe: Mangrove” is a fictionalized retelling of the events surrounding the Mangrove Nine trial, it is based on a true story. The Mangrove Nine were a group of Black activists who were unjustly accused and put on trial in 1970 for protesting against police harassment and racial discrimination.
The Mangrove restaurant, located in Notting Hill, London, was an important meeting place for the local Black community. The owner, Frank Crichlow, and his customers often faced constant police harassment and raids due to racial bias.
In August 1970, a protest was organized by the community after yet another police raid on the Mangrove. This peaceful protest turned into a clash with the police, resulting in the arrests of nine individuals, including Frank Crichlow, Darcus Howe, and Althea Jones-Lecointe.
The trial that followed became a landmark case as it exposed the systemic racism and prejudice within the British legal system. The accused, despite being innocent, had to fight against prejudice from the police, the judiciary, and even their own legal representation.
The trial lasted for several weeks, during which the Mangrove Nine defended themselves with the help of their legal team and support from the community. Eventually, they were acquitted on the charges of incitement to riot, but five of them were found guilty of lesser charges.
The Mangrove Nine trial became a significant moment in the fight against racial discrimination and police brutality in the UK. It shed light on the need for change within the justice system and ultimately led to reforms in the police force.
Characters and their Inspirations
The characters in Small Axe: Mangrove are based on real-life individuals who played a significant role in the Mangrove Nine trial, a landmark case that took place in London in the 1970s. Director Steve McQueen aimed to portray their stories and bring attention to their struggle for justice.
Frank Crichlow
Frank Crichlow, played by Shaun Parkes in the film, was the owner of the Mangrove restaurant in Notting Hill. Crichlow was a prominent figure in London’s black community and a leading activist during the civil rights movement. He provided a safe space for the community and was heavily involved in the fight against police harassment.
Darcus Howe
Darcus Howe, portrayed by Malachi Kirby, was a Trinidadian-born writer, broadcaster, and civil rights campaigner. He played a crucial role in organizing protests against police racism and was a founding member of the British Black Panthers. Howe acted as his own defense during the Mangrove Nine trial, making a powerful speech that challenged the systemic racism of the British police.
Altheia Jones-LeCointe
Altheia Jones-LeCointe, depicted by Letitia Wright, was a leading activist and academic from Trinidad. As a member of the British Black Panther Party, she fought against racial discrimination and police brutality. Jones-LeCointe actively participated in the Mangrove Nine trial and became a key figure in the struggle for equality.
Other characters in the film, such as Barbara Beese, Rupert Boyce, and Tony Soares, were also based on real individuals who were involved in the Mangrove Nine trial. Their stories and contributions reflect the resilience and determination of the black community in the face of injustice.
The Impact and Reception
Small Axe: Mangrove has had a significant impact since its release. The film has shed light on an important chapter in British history that had previously been overlooked. Its portrayal of the Mangrove Nine trial and the activism of the British Black Panther movement has sparked discussions about systemic racism and police brutality, both in the past and in the present day.
The film has been praised for its powerful storytelling and brilliant performances. Director Steve McQueen has been lauded for his ability to bring this forgotten story to life with authenticity and emotion. The cast, including Letitia Wright, Shaun Parkes, and Malachi Kirby, have been praised for their compelling portrayals of real-life figures and their ability to convey the struggle and resilience of the Black community.
Critics have also commended Small Axe: Mangrove for its cinematography and attention to detail. The film captures the atmosphere of 1970s London and the vibrancy of the Mangrove restaurant, while also depicting the oppression and violence faced by the Black community at the hands of the police.
Small Axe: Mangrove has been recognized and celebrated by various award ceremonies and festivals. It was selected as the opening film for the 2020 New York Film Festival and received positive reviews from critics. The film also received multiple nominations at the 2021 British Academy Film Awards, including Best Director and Outstanding British Film.
Overall, Small Axe: Mangrove has made a lasting impact by bringing an important true story to a wider audience and sparking conversations about racial injustice. Its powerful storytelling, brilliant performances, and attention to detail have resonated with viewers and critics alike, cementing its place as a significant and influential film in British cinema.
