Killers of the Flower Moon: A Gripping Tale of Greed, Injustice, and Cultural Reckoning
- Sophie Chiorescu
- Dec 3, 2024
- 3 min read
Killers of the Flower Moon is a phenomenal 2023 historical crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese. And it is based on the gripping bestselling non-fiction book Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI, by David Grann, succeeding in delivering an experience that is both haunting and thought-provoking.
The events in Killers of the Flower Moon are based on the real-life Osage Indian Murders that took place in the 1920s in Osage County, Oklahoma. And the movies name symbolizes the tragedy of the horrible murders that took place during this time, highlighting the brutal and systematic nature of the crimes in those years.
At that time, the Osage people became one of the richest individuals in the world after oil was discovered beneath their lands, which attracted much attention and greed. So many white businessmen would marry into Osage families to be able to control everything over their lands and wealth, driven by prejudice and a desire to benefit from the Osage's oil profits.
But after the settlers married, and secured their wealth, a string of calculated murders would start.
Because the settlers were greedy and selfish, they wanted more land and oil from the members of the Osage Nation, so they killed them to obtain the wealth they desired, either through cold blooded murder or poison.
So, the movies name symbolizes the tragedy of the horrible murders that took place during this time, highlighting the brutal and systematic nature of the crimes
Killers of the Flower Moon sheds light on systemic racism and the exploitation of Indigenous people, diving deep into a largely forgotten chapter of American history. It is an intense, tragic, and thought-provoking story of injustice that forces viewers to confront the consequences of unchecked greed and the abuses faced by the Osage Nation.
In the movie the story follows Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio), a man that is manipulated by his uncle, William "King" Hale (Robert De Niro), to marry an Osage woman named Mollie Kyle (Lily Gladstone), so then he can help him carry out these murders. Afterwards, this woman becomes a victim of the plot as her family is targeted, and as the deaths pile up, the newly formed FBI, led by Agent Tom White (Jesse Plemons), investigates and uncovers a conspiracy involving local white residents, exposing a brutal and racist plot to steal the Osage people's wealth.
Like all great movies, Killers of the Flower Moon draws both applause and critique. Lily Gladstone's performance has captivated critics attention, praising her acting, while Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro are celebrated for delivering deeply complex portrayals. Martin Scorsese's amazing direction shines through, joining together crime drama with powerful historical and cultural storytelling.
The film’s haunting depiction of the Osage murders has earned compliments for its raw honesty and resonance with Native American audiences. However, its 3.5-hour runtime and occasional tonal shifts have sparked some debate, with casual viewers finding the length a potential problem. Still, the movie is widely recognized as a monumental artistic and cultural work, cementing its place in cinematic history.
If you are a fan of history and crime, you should really give this movie a try!
It is truly phenomenal, and its story deserves your attention, whether you're planning a movie night with family, friends, or just a solo viewing, you can watch it on Apple TV+, YouTube, or Amazon Prime Video. Don’t miss this masterpiece!
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