Burden (2018)

When a museum celebrating the Ku Klux Klan opens in a South Carolina town, the idealistic Reverend Kennedy strives to keep the peace even as he urges the group's Grand Dragon to disavow his racist past.

Director:

Andrew Heckler

Writer:

Andrew Heckler

Stars:

Garrett Hedlund, Andrea Riseborough, Forest Whitaker

2 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Garrett Hedlund	...	Mike Burden
Andrea Riseborough	...	Judy
Forest Whitaker	...	Reverend Kennedy
Tom Wilkinson	...	Tom Griffin
Usher	...	Clarence Brooks (as Usher Raymond IV)
Crystal Fox	...	Janice Kennedy
Austin Hébert	...	Clint (as Austin Hebert)
Dexter Darden	...	Kelvin Kennedy
Taylor Gregory	...	Franklin
Tia Hendricks	...	Toosie Brooks
Devin Bright	...	Duane Brooks
Joshua Burge	...	Ronny
Tess Harper	...	Hazel Griffin
Anna Colwell	...	Molly
Bryan Hibbard	...	Gus

Storyline

When a museum celebrating the Ku Klux Klan opens in a small South Carolina town, the idealistic Reverend Kennedy resolves to do everything in his power to prevent racial tensions from boiling over. But the members of Kennedy's congregation are shocked to discover that his plan includes sheltering Mike Burden, a Klansman whose relationships with both a single-mother and a high-school friend force him to re-examine his long-held beliefs. After Kennedy helps Mike leave behind his violent past, the Baptist preacher finds himself on a collision course with manipulative KKK leader Tom Griffin. In the face of grave threats to himself and his family, the resolute Kennedy bravely pursues a path toward peace, setting aside his own misgivings in the hopes of healing his wounded community.

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Plot Keywords:

vengeance | reverend | love | african american | hatred | 

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Taglines:

A young man's love affair puts him in deadly peril with the Southern community that raised him.

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for disturbing violent content, and language throughout including racial epithets

Did You Know?

Trivia

In the late 90s, Andrew Heckler had actually gone to meet the real Reverend Kennedy in Laurens, South Carolina, after reading about the infamous Redneck Shop & KKK Museum in a newspaper article. After Heckler got the story from Reverend Kennedy, he began drafting the screenplay.

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Quotes

Mike Burden: [to Reverend Kennedy] Sir, if I call you my enemy, I'll walk through Heaven and I will punch God just to get to you. If I call you my friend, I'll walk through Hell and I'll slap the devil for you.

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Soundtracks

Was the Blood
Written by Robert A. Shad
Performed by The Blind Boys

User Reviews

Caught this at Sundance

I remember seeing this title at Sundance in 2018. Outside of needing some editing in the second Act, I thought it was an extremely moving and solid film. Garrett Hedlund is mesmerizing in his performance, and I especially enjoy stories that are based on true events. Courage, love, and redemption. Thank you Mr. Hedlund. I look forward to your future projects, and maybe we will work together one day. Highly recommend this film.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 June 2020 (Canada)

Also Known As:

Burden

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$20,160, 1 March 2020

Gross USA:

$139,270

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$439,139

Company Credits

Production Co:

Bill Kenwright Films, Cool House, The Fyzz Facility

Technical Specs

Runtime:

117 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39:1