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Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer (2021): Ratings

Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer (2021) movie poster

Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer is a 2021 documentary directed by Dawn Porter. Critics gave it 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10.

IMDb rating
6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes
100%
Echo Score
86
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Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer (2021) movie poster
Released
Director
Dawn Porter
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer About?

The premise of Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer without spoilers.

The discovery of a mass grave in Tulsa forces the city to reckon with the painful legacy of the "Red Summer" of 1921. During this period of intense racial violence across the United States, white mobs destroyed the prosperous Greenwood District, also known as "Negro Wall Street," leaving a trail of destruction and despair. Despite the devastation and ongoing challenges, African American communities demonstrated remarkable resilience, courageously rebuilding and striving for a future amidst adversity.

Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer Themes & Keywords

· 1 tag
  • justice
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Crew

The Director of Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer

Directed by Dawn Porter.

From the director

More from Dawn Porter

More films directed by Dawn Porter, best-rated first: The Lady Bird Diaries, Gideon's Army, Luther: Never Too Much and The Way I See It.

Full filmography
Ratings

Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 86/100, strongest in art & craft (85) and weakest in story & flow (78).

86 /100

Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer Echo Score Breakdown

Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer presents a meticulously assembled documentary that balances historical rigor with emotional immediacy. Its integration of archival footage, first‑hand testimonies, and animated illustrations creates a compelling visual narrative, while the direction maintains a steady, classroom‑friendly tone. Critics highlight its informative depth and hopeful framing, noting that the film succeeds in making a painful past accessible to contemporary audiences. The overall effect is a powerful, well‑crafted entry that resonates beyond a single viewing.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 85

    In terms of art and craft, the documentary excels through clean cinematography and thoughtful editing that weave archival clips with animated portraits. Directional choices keep the visual flow measured, allowing historical material to breathe without overwhelming the viewer. Reviewers commend the elegant composition and precise use of archival material, indicating a high level of technical proficiency.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    When it comes to character and emotion, the film conveys deep resonance through first‑hand testimonies and measured interviews. The subjects’ narratives are presented with dignity, allowing the audience to feel the weight of the historical trauma while also sensing a cautious optimism. Critics note the nuanced emotional texture, suggesting the documentary succeeds in humanizing a painful past.

  • Story & Flow 78

    The documentary’s story and flow are anchored by a clear chronological structure that guides viewers through the Red Summer events and their modern echoes. Pacing remains steady, balancing dense informational segments with reflective moments that prevent overload. Reviewers regard the narrative as comprehensive yet accessible, indicating solid storytelling without significant plot lapses.

  • Sensory Experience 82

    In terms of sensory experience, the film blends a restrained soundtrack with crisp sound design that accentuates archival audio. Visual style combines muted color grading for historic footage with vivid animation, creating a cohesive aesthetic. Critics praise the audio‑visual harmony, noting that the sensory choices support rather than distract from the material.

  • Rewatch Factor 84

    Rewatch factor is strong, as the documentary offers layered information that rewards multiple viewings. Its educational framing, combined with emotional depth, ensures lasting relevance for both classroom settings and personal reflection. Critics highlight its enduring appeal, suggesting audiences will return to the film to deepen understanding of a complex history.

Videos

Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer.

Red Summer Trailer | National Geographic

Seen Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer?

FAQ

Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer FAQ: Release Date & Director

Release date, director, ratings and post-credit scenes of Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer, each answered in a sentence.

When was Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer released?

Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer was released on June 18, 2021.

Who directed Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer?

Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer was directed by Dawn Porter.

More films by Dawn Porter

How is Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer rated?

Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer has 6.8/10 on IMDb, 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 80% on TMDB.

Does Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer have a post-credit scene?

No. Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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