Is the Banker based on a True story? The Banker Review
by Maivizhi A | Updated Mar 09, 2023
Is the Banker based on a True story?
"The Banker" is a film adaptation that tells the true story of Bernard Garrett and Joe Morris, two African American men who attempted to become bankers and landowners in the 1950s and 60s, despite the pervasive racism of the time. In order to overcome the barriers they faced, the two men resorted to a fraudulent scheme that ultimately resulted in their imprisonment in 1964 and ofcourseYes, The Banker is a true story.
The Banker Review
"The Banker" is an engaging and informative film based on real-life accounts, court records, and audio recordings. It sheds light on the challenges faced by African-American entrepreneurs during the Jim Crow era and the courage of civil rights activists who dared to defy the establishment despite the risks. The movie is satisfying to watch as it portrays three enterprising businessmen who outsmart their greedy white counterparts to improve their lives and communities. According to writer/director Nolfi, the film is both a celebration and a critique of capitalism. It acknowledges that capitalism can create wealth but also acknowledges that it is not working for many, regardless of race.
However, the movie has some content that some viewers may find disturbing. It is rated PG-13 for institutional racism, and it contains some strong language, including one f-word and about a dozen s-words, three instances of the n-word, and several instances of characters smoking and drinking. The use of God's name with a curse word is also prevalent. Despite these concerns, "The Banker" is an enlightening and stimulating film that is worth watching. It features a captivating true story, superb acting, and likable characters, making it an excellent option for streaming at home in the absence of theater releases in many regions.
The Banker Summary
Bernard Garrett and Joe Morris were two accomplished black entrepreneurs who came up with a daring strategy to purchase real estate and banks to assist marginalized individuals with skin color in achieving the American Dream. The inspiring true account is the subject of George Nolfi's "The Banker," which will be released on the streaming platform AppleTV Plus on March 20, and it is brought to life in the movie by an exceptional cast, including Anthony Mackie, Samuel L. Jackson, Nicholas Hoult, and Nia Long.
The narrative begins in Texas during the 1930s, where a young Bernard learns the intricacies of the business world by eavesdropping on the men whose shoes he's shining. Despite being intelligent and ambitious, his father warns him that his skin color will obstruct his path to success, and he is discouraged from pursuing his dreams.
Several years later, in 1954 Los Angeles, Bernard, now an adult, attempts to purchase investment properties, but he is repeatedly rejected by hesitant sellers. He eventually partners with an Irish property owner, Patrick Barker, who is interested in purchasing properties in white neighborhoods adjacent to black neighborhoods. However, Bernard's skin color hinders his ability to participate in the transaction, and he is compelled to remain behind the scenes. When his collaboration with Barker falls apart, Bernard reluctantly teams up with Joe, a shrewd businessman who has learned not to trust anyone.
The two men hire Matt Steiner, a working-class white man, to serve as the face of their real-estate business. They teach him the art of golf, whiskey drinking, basic math, and business jargon, in order to "fit in" with wealthy white business owners. While Matt negotiates with industry leaders, Bernard and Joe observe from a distance, pretending to be a janitor and chauffeur.
Their ploy is successful, and the trio experiences tremendous success, prompting Bernard to propose expanding their business from LA to Texas with the goal of purchasing a bank that would allow them to provide loans and capital to members of the black community. However, they face opposition from Texas bankers and businessmen who are determined to expose their "scheme." Soon, the federal government becomes involved, and everything that Bernard and Joe have worked for is jeopardized.
The Banker Ending Explained
Mat, with Garett's permission, shifts all the responsibility for their actions onto the partners during the trial, avoiding punishment. Bernard and Joe refuse to conceal the true purpose of their business, openly advocating for the fight against racism. After serving three years in prison, the comrades travel to the Bahamas, where they find two banks they had established earlier, unbeknownst to the US government.
The central theme of "The Banker" movie is the fight against racial superiority, which persists even after the abolition of slavery. The film depicts the discrimination and humiliation that black citizens faced in many states of America. The author highlights the unacceptability of such a situation and reminds viewers that everyone is equal, regardless of their race, gender, or other differences.
The movie also explores the themes of selflessness, courage, friendship, and fidelity, as exemplified by the characters of Joe, Bernard, and Yunsi. Met, on the other hand, embodies the image of a young, irresponsible person whose recklessness leads to the downfall of everything the heroes had worked hard to achieve.
Despite the dramatic nature of the film, the ending is uplifting and offers hope for a better future. The message seems to be that life will improve, as evidenced by the two banks that the protagonists discover in the Bahamas. Overall, "The Banker" is a thought-provoking and engaging movie that stresses the importance of treating all people equally, regardless of their background.
Is the Banker based on a True story? - FAQs
Yes, The Banker is based on a true story.
The Banker is a period drama film of American origin released in 2020.
tells the true story of Bernard Garrett and Joe Morris, two African American men who attempted to become bankers and landowners in the 1950s and 60s
Thee themes of selflessness, courage, friendship, and fidelity are exposed in this movie.
"The Banker" is a thought-provoking and engaging movie that stresses the importance of treating all people equally, regardless of their background.