The critically acclaimed film, Loving, staring Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton, tells the real life story of Mildred and Richard Loving, who were arrested in 1958 for being an interracial couple in the state of Virginia. In order to avoid imprisonment, they were forced to leave the state for 25 years, leaving behind their home and families. The Lovings had no intention of appealing their case to the federal courts, but with the help of attorneys, Bernard Cohen and Philip Hirshkop, their case won in the Supreme Court.

The idea of marriage being illegal based solely on mixed race is a hard reality to fully comprehend, especially one that was so recent in America’s history. I also found it quite surprising that I had never heard of this specific case before in school; yet, it is such an important one to understand.

This film is a must see for its accurate account of such a historic case, and for its deeply emotional message that is touching to us all. The argument of this case is the most fundamental of them all, regarding the right to love someone unconditionally and wholeheartedly, regardless of his or her skin color.

This is a film that reminds you of what really matters, and puts in perspective all of the other things that are unimportant in comparison. As long as we have those that we love around us, everything will be all right. It is hard to believe this basic human right was ever denied, but to understand their struggle, and imagine this reality is necessary to remember their plight and the plight of many others.

We take for granted how easily it is to exercise our rights today, and I think we often overlook how restrictive life used to be. The right to love and care for one another is a right that should never have been questioned, and the courage of the Lovings to stand up for this right is so inspiring. I definitely have a much greater appreciation for the rights I am fortunate enough to have today, and the difficult history that had to be overcome just sixty years ago.

All Mr. and Mrs. Loving wanted was to love one another, and raise their family in peace. While this basic human right seems natural now, it was once denied and punished. The movie even emphasizes Mr. Loving’s hesitation to appeal the case, and his disregard for the press or fame one the case was won, because he and his wife just wanted to live without fear of being caught and imprisoned. The Lovings only wanted to return home and live happily together with their children, and this simple and humble desire is so incredibly touching, because it is such a universal right that all people share. We all have people in our lives that we love unconditionally and would do anything to protect and care for, and this idea is at the very heart of the film.

Their last name, Loving, perfectly conveys everything this couple, this case, and this film stands for, which is to freely and rightfully love one another. When the attorney, Mr. Cohen, asks Mr. Loving what he should tell the Supreme Court, Richard says, “Tell them I love my wife.” At the end of the day, love is love, and that’s all there is to it. It is the simplicity of this idea that makes this case so eye-opening, because whether sixty years ago, yesterday or today, we all want to love and be loved.