Writer-director Mike Binder probably didn’t image Black or White, – his film based on a true story – would be released during an ongoing awards session and movie fans debate about civil rights. His aim to spotlight a custody battle between a grandfather and the granddaughter’s paternal grandmother Rowena (Octavia Spencer) is really about far more than race.

Elliott Anderson (Kevin Costner) has learned his wife has died, and in a matter of hours his entire world looks dim. Taking time off from the firm where he’s an attorney is easy. Trying to console his biracial granddaughter Eloise (Jillian Estel) seems far from easy. Eloise is the daughter of Elliott’s late daughter who was abused by her husband Reggie (Andre Holland), now a druggie.

The Andersons made a good life for Eloise. They gave her a nice home, safe neighborhood, private school and lots of love. However, all that is about to be challenged because Reggie’s mother Rowena (Octavia Spencer) wants to fight for shared custody of Eloise now that her father is back on the scene.

The only way Elliott can deal with this is by drinking, which becomes an all-consuming habit. As this continues, Eloise at first clings to Elliott, but when his drunken days overtake his common sense, she begins to shy away from him.

Unfortunately, Elliott deals with this situation by drinking, which becomes an all-consuming habit. At first, Eloise clings to Elliott, but when her grandfather’s drunken days overtake his common sense, she begins to shy away from him. Things become so bad that Elliott hires Duvan (Mpho Koahu), calling him his “bodyguard.” In reality, Duvan is a tutor for Eloise and a driver for her and Elliott because he’s not fit for the job most days.

By now Rowena has good reason to pursue the joint custody lawsuit. Eloise actually enjoys visits with her and the large extend family of aunts, uncles and cousins. Things drastically change when Reggie shows up in town. Rowena pushes him to be part of the lawsuit, insisting her blindsided, corporate attorney and brother Jeremiah (Anthony Mackie) fight for them in court.

Challenging and sad times makeup the theme of this film, but its underscore is sweet and touching. Costner gives a great performance as a distraught husband trying to replace his wife’s care of their granddaughter, but unable to deal with everyday life and hanging on to the only love of this life left. Spencer shines as the grandmother bent on doing the right thing for her granddaughter, but who is blinded to the real problems of her son. The adorable Jillian Estel, who has made only one other film, was among hundred’s of girls considered for the role. She dominated every emotion that Eloise faced in this situation. She morns the loss of her grandmother (Jennifer Ehle). There are scenes when Elliott is trying to console her that Costner said Estel did things not in the script like place her arm around his shoulder or kiss his cheek that really gave him his character. When Elliott turns to the bottle for answers, Estel clings to the idea that she wants to be with her real father, which eventually causes extreme drama for all. In moments when she’s still just a young girl she’s exceptionally vibrant and adorable.

Black or White isn’t about color. It’s about humanity, unbearable loss, facing facts and finding a road to redemption and possibilities.

> Emotional dispute for an innocent young soul.

One of the beautiful melodrama of the year. It is a partial courtroom drama and it was about a biracial kid, whose grandparents fight to own the custody. Obviously a sensitive matter, but incredibly written screenplay that balanced both the ways. Such kind of theme is always welcomed, but in this case, again, those critics behind ruining the movie. Should have been in the Oscar race in any category, but it didn't. The reason is simple, about famous people and histories always have the edge over the fictional works in the film world.

Child custody battle is a most familiar theme, but not a very common. In this, the characters are so special, made a huge difference with an interesting opening plot. At some point I felt scenes were very intensified and old fashioned, but the story and dialogues were not. Lots of emotional scenes involved right from the first frame itself. Especially one of the courtroom scene in the third act which was a turning point in the story was so touching. The families are definitely going to love that particular part.

> "Well, there are certain things a man can do,
> certain thing a woman can do."

Top notch performances, especially the Kevin Costner, and Octavia Spencer in some crucial parts. Apart from them it has some cheerful humours. A movie that is not pinpointing the mistakes of the past like some of the recent films depicted, but looking forward to the future and unifying by removing fences. As a living creature, the conflict within is not an invalid, even non-living substances do have when they come together in the form of chemical reaction. So as we're civilised, it must be minimised. Happy or sad ending, it does not matter, because it is simply delivering a message about the difference between good and bad.

The kid was the centre of the story formation, but the screenplay did not designed her to dominate. Because her presence was the vital than to display stunning performance, as it was a conflict between two different racial people. But, how the kid gets affected if the confrontation gets ugly as the story progresses is the point to develop ahead. So that brings the climax, and you should watch the movie to know how it all ends. I would say it is a very underrated movie and needs immediate recognition. It will going to be one of those movies to be praised in the future.

8½/10