Despite opening at #2 at the box office, “Selma” deserves its Oscar nomination for best picture. This gratifying motion picture follows Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s journey to attain voting equality in the 1960s.

Centrally focused in the racially segregated city of Selma, Alabama, the cinematography, writing and casting in “Selma” is absolutely stellar. Despite what the trailer suggests, this is not a typical biopic. Selma avoids glorifying King as an individual and focuses more on his morale, logic and intellect.

In her directing debut, Ava DuVernay created a masterpiece that portrays a Dr. King (David Oyelowo), different from what we’ve learned from grade school lectures and textbooks. The way she captures the relationship between President Lyndon B. Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) and Dr. King is intriguing and dynamic.

Throughout the film, King verbally battles Johnson in the Oval Office, in public speeches and in the streets of Selma, which showcases the quality script. The movie does an amazing job highlighting King’s personal life and vulnerable moments.

DuVernay’s interpretation of the movement will capture the viewer’s mind in a way no other movie this year will.

It’s the small details that make this film amazing. The casting directors deserve recognition for the cameos of other historical figures like Annie Lee Cooper (Oprah Winfrey), Mahalia Jackson (Ledisi) and Malcom X (Nigel Thatch).

The soundtrack to “Selma” is equally impressive. Filled with classic songs like Otis Redding’s “Ole Man Trouble” and newer uplifting tracks like “Glory,” the Golden Globe winning anthem from John Legend and Common. The emotion of the music resonates with the tone of the film and pulls the audience into Selma even more.

Throughout the movie, viewers hear the wise words of the King we’ve come to know and love. “Selma” is an insight into what inspired his famous speeches and a window into the Civil Rights Movement.

I highly recommend this movie to every teenage student in America. Selma is why we were off for MLK Day. Selma is why we celebrate Black History Month. If you thought Ferguson sparked a conversation, just wait until you see “Selma.” Five out of five stars.