Congo: White King, Red Rubber, Black Death is an eye-opening documentary that explores the shocking events of the Congo Free State during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Under the cruel rule of King Leopold II of Belgium, Congo became a brutal and oppressive labor camp where atrocities were commonplace. Unscrupulous rubber harvesting practices saw families held hostage, children’s hands chopped off as punishments for late deliveries, and starvation used as a tool of intimidation and control.
This thought-provoking documentary brings to life this largely forgotten part of history in vivid detail. Using archival footage and powerful reenactments, it tells the story of how an estimated 10 million people perished under Leopold’s reign and how this incident was instrumental in sparking the first Human Rights movement. It also serves as a chilling prelude to the Holocaust in European history.
It is clear from watching Congo: White King, Red Rubber, Black Death that this is not simply another sensationalist documentary but rather an important educational tool filled with facts that viewers can use to understand these dark times. Although it has been criticized by some for its depiction of King Leopold II as a moral forebear of Adolf Hitler, it leaves no doubt that he was responsible for immense suffering on an unprecedented scale in Africa.
If you are looking for an engaging way to learn more about this tragic chapter in human history then Congo: White King, Red Rubber, Black Death is definitely worth watching. With its ability to convey both sides of this complex issue in an accessible way, it will be sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers even after they have finished watching it.
