With Drawn Arms

With Drawn Arms is a compelling 2020 documentary that delves into one of the most significant and powerful moments in the 1968 Olympics. The film features a range of influential figures, including Lonnie Bunch, Nelson George, and Jemele Hill, as it explores the iconic silent protest by African-American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos on the Olympic podium.

The film is co-directed by Glenn Kaino and Afshin Shahidi, who vividly capture the harrowing reality of the time, using this significant historical incident as a lens to examine racial inequalities that are still distinctly present in today's society. With Drawn Arms is an hour and twenty minutes that transports its viewers back to a time fraught with civil unrest and social injustices, focusing on a symbol of power and defiance that reverberated across the world.

Centered around the unforgettable protest of Tommie Smith, the documentary leverages his personal journey from humble beginnings to the global stage to paint a vivid picture of the struggles, achievements, and contributions of African-American athletes. Smith's courageous gesture on the Olympic podium, raising a gloved fist in a silent yet potent signal against racial discrimination, serves as a central symbolic point throughout the film.

Featuring interviews with former Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, Lonnie Bunch, the sports journalist Jemele Hill, and other prominent figures, the documentary delivers a holistic exploration of the wider socio-political environment that formed the backdrop of the 1968 Olympics. This helps deliver a rich insight into the events, the era, and the circumstances that led to the unforgettable silent protest.

The film also includes contributions from Nelson George, an accomplished author, and filmmaker whose presence further enriches the documentary with his cultural observations. Together, these diverse perspectives allow the film to dissect the various aspects of the silent protest, from the wider social implications to its impact on the individual lives of the athletes involved.

With Drawn Arms doesn't just focus on the past, it skillfully draws parallels between the events of 1968 and the present day, shedding light on the ongoing struggle against racial injustice. Here, the film excels as it bridges the gap between past and present struggles for racial equality and justice, illustrating just how much the iconic protest at the heart of the documentary still means to today's society.

However, at its core, With Drawn Arms is essentially a portrait of Tommie Smith. Yet, rather than presenting him as a static icon, the film paints a living, breathing human being who took a stand at a significant personal cost. Through the intimate exploration of Smith's life, audiences get to understand the man behind the symbol, his dreams, his motivations, and the immense pressure he faced.

The documentary also dives into the harsh backlash Smith and Carlos faced following their silent protest. Returning to a country grappling with its own racial battles, they were met with widespread scorn and severe repercussions, impacting both their personal lives and professional careers.

With Drawn Arms is more than just a historical documentary; it is a potent comment on the ongoing racial injustices and the power of silent protests. Through its visceral storytelling and powerful interviews, it pushes its audiences to think, challenge, and question. Rather than just recounting the past, the film paints a vivid picture of the significant meaning and implications this moment holds for the present day.

To conclude, With Drawn Arms is a poignant and powerful film that showcases an unforgettable moment in history where the global stage of the Olympic Games turned into a platform for challenging racial injustice. Its intelligent blending of personal narrative, social commentary, and historical context offers a comprehensive exploration of the everlasting impact of Tommie Smith's and John Carlos's silent protest on contemporary society.