The Oscar race is well under way, with contending films that range from action-packed thrillers to sharp-witted comedies. Somewhere in the middle, we find the emotionally depicted portrayal of one of the most influential human rights activists of our time. “Selma” tells the story of not just Martin Luther King Jr., but of all African-Americans in their fight for equality and justice in 1965.

The film tells the story of the civil rights movement in a compelling way, one an audience has never seen before. Unlike similar films, “Selma” dives into King’s struggles as a husband and father while also managing to tell the stories of other civil rights activists during the time. “Selma” shows the brutal and harsh truths of racism during the 1960’s that similar movies in it’s genre lack.

“Selma” is a refreshing change in historical films, breaking the norm of typical gory war movies. Though the film is heavy in dialogue, it does a fantastic job of keeping it’s audience’s attention with emotional and heroic moments.

One of the contributing factors to the appeal of “Selma” was the actor who portrayed King, David Oyelowo. Seeing a fresh face made it easy for the audience to identify King with Oyelowo, making the film feel more real and personal. Oyelowo received a well-deserved Golden Globe nomination for his role and his revelatory depiction of the emotional, often painful struggles King endured is the spark that gives “Selma” a relentless electricity.

The movie has generated a large amount of award show buzz for several reasons, one being its ability to interest almost anyone. “Selma” is one of those rare films that appeals to people of all ages. The motion picture catches the attention of children who are learning about civil rights in school, to those who have lived through it.

“Selma” touches on some very raw emotions following current events, such as the recent affairs in Ferguson. It made me feel as though I was living through something very similar to what I was watching. The film sheds lights on a topic which resonates in many communities throughout the country, which is what makes “Selma” so powerful.

As a teenager, it was interesting to see something I learned in school brought to life on the big screen; as if I had just lived through a piece of significant history. Walking out of “Selma”, it leaves you feeling inspired and with a new sense of understanding for the topic which changed our nation.