LA PERMISSION

Turner, a U.S. soldier stationed outside Paris, is smitten with Miriam, a young woman he meets at a nightclub. They both decide to spend a weekend of passion together. Melvin Van Peebles’s subtle handling of racial tension makes this an extremely powerful movie. A tension that simmers beneath the surface before suddenly bursting out when Turner, played by Harry Baird, reacts to what he perceives as a slur. Nicole Berger’s portrayal of Miriam is incredibly moving as she strives to understand Turner’s anguish and comfort him, yet she is unable to fully comprehend why he is so upset.
Melvin Van Peebles’s debut film illuminates the issues we still face today, as the Black Lives Matter movement continues to raise a greater awareness of different forms of oppression.