Roots

That the new Roots manages to emerge from the shadow of the original 1977 miniseries—which won nine Emmys and a Peabody Award and set rating records—is itself an accomplishment. Based on Alex Haley's 1976 book, this History-aired production depicts the tragedy and horror of slavery in much more brutal and graphic detail than its predecessor. Roots chronicles the century-plus family history of West African Kunta Kinte (a superb Malachi Kirby taking over the role originated by LeVar Burton, who here serves as an executive producer), a warrior in training who is sold into slavery. Kunta has a rebellious nature (“They can put chains on your body. Never let them put chains on your mind.”) that remains unbowed despite the savagery inflicted upon him by his master (James Purefoy), who renames him “Toby.” Forest Whitaker costars as Fiddler, a fellow slave and violinist who enjoys a somewhat exalted status on the plantation, and who admires Kunta. Kunta's warrior spirit lives on in his daughter Kizzy (Anika Noni Rose), whose sexual abuse at the hands of her master (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) produces a son, “Chicken George” (Regé-Jean Page), so named for his skills as a breeder of cockfighters. Chicken George will be wrenched from his own family but later reunited with his estranged son, Tom (Sedale Threatt, Jr.). This Roots is tailor-made for turbulent times when race relations in America are at a perilous juncture, offering a reminder—set against the panorama of this country's darkest chapter—that black lives matter. Extras include a bonus documentary. Highly recommended. (D. Liebenson)