Nina

Nina is a 2016 American biographical film written and directed by Cynthia Mort. It's a beautifully crafted biopic that centers around the later years of legendary jazz, soul, and classical singer - Nina Simone. Her complex life is exquisitely portrayed by talented lead actress Zoe Saldana, who lights up the screen with intense performances that give a vivid sense of both the troubles and triumphs Nina Simone encountered throughout her life. David Oyelowo, as Simone's trusted friend and manager, Clifton Henderson, also delivers a stellar performance that adds depth to the emotional narrative of the movie.

Aptly named after its forefront character, "Nina" embarks on a journey into the soulful life of Eunice Kathleen Waymon, known professionally as Nina Simone. It provides a highly emotional and heartfelt window into the world of one of the 20th century's most influential artists, who was not only an accomplished singer but also a prominent civil rights activist. Nina Simone's charismatic stage presence and powerful music have always been acclaimed universally, but the skirmishes she faced behind her life curtain were often overshadowed.

The film predominantly focuses on Simone's life after the height of her fame. It narrates the challenging time during the late 1980s, a period during which the renowned singer and pianist was struggling with alcoholism, and mental health issues. Her career being in a decline, she is shown residing in France, and entirely distant from the public eye. This is when she meets Clifton Henderson, a kindly nurse, who she persuades to manage her chaotic life. He leaves his life in America behind to travel with Simone, beginning a series of events that make up the bulk of the film's plot.

Zoe Saldana exquisitely embodies the ferociously talented and volatile Nina Simone - from the emotional intensity that surrounded her life to the exceptional talent that marked her musical journey. She brings forth an unprecedented willingness to portray Simone's troubled mindset. David Oyelowo, as Clifton, displays a prodigious capability to balance the narrative with his grounded performance, providing a sincere counterweight to Saldana's fiery on-camera intensity.

Cynthia Mort's direction successfully weaves together Simone's various life aspects, particularly her music's deep-rooted influence on the civil rights movement and her personal afflictions. The movie doesn't shy away from highlighting her contentious personality; instead, it brings forth a broader understanding of the person behind the captivating music and her battles with bipolar disorder and substance abuse, often considered taboo topics.

Overall, Nina is a story of resilience, showcasing how Simone discovered her voice not only in music but also in life. It provides an opportunity for viewers to appreciate the extraordinary music that she produced amidst her tumultuous life situation. Mort's film is a testament to Simone's talent, her unapologetic personality, and her crucial contribution to challenging societal and racial norms through her vocal activism and impactful music.

While some have criticized the film for its casting choices and portrayal of Simone's life, it remains an emotionally charged exploration of a complex, highly influential figure in American musical history. Nina delves deep into the heart of one of music's most powerful voices, crafting a raw and poignant narrative of the struggle and triumph that characterized Nina Simone's life.

In summary, Nina is a compelling biographical film that paints an insightful picture of the legendary Nina Simone, providing an in-depth perspective of the complex and tumultuous life she led. The performances of Saldana and Oyelowo are highly commendable and make the film a captivating journey through the life of this iconic figure. Through the lens of Nina's unique story and powerful music, the film offers a tribute to her indomitable spirit and musical legacy. It provides the audience with an intimate examination of her struggles, dedication, and resilience, making it a must-watch for fans of biopics, music, and history.