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The Problem of the Hero

Play trailer 1:34 Poster for The Problem of the Hero 2023 1h 24m Drama History Play Trailer Watchlist
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93% Tomatometer 14 Reviews Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
In March of 1941, at the St. James Theatre in New York, two 20th century literary giants, ground breaking author Richard Wright and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green collaborate to adapt Wright's best-selling book, Native Son, into a Broadway play. Days from opening night, they differ over a single page of the script. The difference of opinion evolves into a spirited contention over issues of race, social justice, politics, and personal and creative agency. The argument threatens to dissolve their friendship.

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The Problem of the Hero

Critics Reviews

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Victoria Luxford DMovies May 12, 2025
4/5
It’s not perfect from a cinematic perspective... However, as a theological discussion committed to film, The Problem Of The Hero leaves an impression that will last for days after watching. Go to Full Review Emilie Black Cinema Crazed Apr 7, 2025
The Problem with the Hero is a decent film that ends up being a bit frustrating as it never seems to elevate itself beyond something decent, beyond a passable film that folks will watch at random and forget within a day. Go to Full Review Pramit Chatterjee Digital Mafia Talkies Mar 31, 2025
4.5/5
The way Shaun Dozier, along with cinematographer Steve Milligan and production designer Kendra Archer, explores every nook and cranny of a theater and uses those places to create dynamic backdrops for its dialogue-heavy scenes is simply brilliant. Go to Full Review Amber Wilkinson Eye for Film Mar 30, 2025
3.5/5
The film, directed by feature debutant Shaun Dozier, retains the density of dialogue you might expect from a stage play but, by leaning into the theatrical nature of the proceedings, Dozier is in some ways able to make this into a virtue. Go to Full Review Vassilis Kroustallis High on Films Mar 27, 2025
60/100
Far from a flawless film (some of the scenes border on the repetitive), ‘The Problem of Hero’ is never an uninteresting film and tunes in to offer a spectrum of options on marginalized identities and their literary/cinematic treatment. Go to Full Review Victor Pineyro Seventh Art Studio Mar 24, 2025
8/10
A sharp, intimate drama about creative control and racial identity. Set in one night at a theater, it explores privilege, authorship, and respect through gripping dialogue and stellar performances. [Full review in Spanish] Go to Full Review Read all reviews
The Problem of the Hero

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Cast & Crew

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Shaun Dozier

Director

J. Mardrice Henderson

Richard Wright

David Zum Brunnen

Paul Green

Charlie Cannon

Orson Welles

Lex Wilson

Walter Ash

Derrick Ivey

Ray Collins

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The Problem of the Hero

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The Problem of the Hero

The Problem of the Hero (2023) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis In March of 1941, at the St. James Theatre in New York, two 20th century literary giants, ground breaking author Richard Wright and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green collaborate to adapt Wright's best-selling book, Native Son, into a Broadway play. Days from opening night, they differ over a single page of the script. The difference of opinion evolves into a spirited contention over issues of race, social justice, politics, and personal and creative agency. The argument threatens to dissolve their friendship.
Director
Shaun Dozier
Producer
Ayana Johnson
Screenwriter
James A. Hodge, Ian Finley, James A. Hodge, Ian Finley
Distributor
Buffalo 8
Production Co
EbzB Productions
Genre
Drama, History
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 28, 2025
Runtime
1h 24m
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