BlacKkKlansman

THE GIST: Ambitious Ron Stallworth is the first Black hire at Colorado Springs's police department in the '70s. On a whim, he answers an enrollment ad by the local chapter of the Ku Klux Klan, the infamous extremist organization, meaning to infiltrate it and expose any unsavory operations. Because of his mannerisms, they think he's White, and are all too happy to let him in. Now Ron has to find a White detective willing to pose as him and work together on the case, which might put both their lives in danger.

Expertly directed by the great Spike Lee, BlacKkKlansman is a really good crime/thriller with a heavy biographical component, given that it's based on a true story, which makes this already incredible story all the more bonkers.

John David Washington, who's really making a name for himself in Hollywood, leads a great cast that includes Alec Baldwin, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Frederick Weller, Paul Walter Hauser, Topher Grace, Harry Belafonte, and a great Adam Driver.

Driver was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar, while Lee co-won the Academy Award for Best Screenplay. The film was also nominated for Best Motion Picture, Score, Directing, and Editing.

THE BOTTOM LINE: A really good film with a compelling story, great directing, and wonderful acting. A classic.

Grade: 9