Movie Review - Judas and the Black Messiah (2021)

[Dave Gray]

Judas and the Black Messiah (2021)

Premise: To avoid jailtime, an FBI informant infiltrates the Black Panthers.

Rating: Exciting, enjoyable, and effective.

I really enjoyed this flick and I'm not usually one who gravitates to true-story biopics.  They have to do something different and this does, in its structure.  This is the true life story of Fred Hampton, a charismatic young man fighting police oppression and racism in Chicago.  However, instead of just following his life, this is structured like an undercover thriller, akin to Donnie Brasco or The Departed.

The performances by the two leads are stellar, particularly Daniel Kaluuya, playing the magnetic Hampton.

The film doesn't pull any punches on siding with the Panthers over the FBI, and it doesn't shy away from the sometimes aggressive nature of the Panthers or their ties to socialism and dictators.

With the characters of the FBI Informant and the Agent who bought him in, it's really up to viewer to decide whether they are also victims.  They are definitely adversaries to the hero of the film, but are they also being manipulated?

This was a story of which I was unfamiliar and I left being angry and the injustices in the world.  Well made, well done, I can recommend this.

[Phishfan]

One of the few movies that caught my eye recently. I haven't watched it yet  but will.

[Downunder Dolphan]

I saw this a few months ago and really enjoyed it, a great story about a piece of American history I did not know of.

Good also to see Daniel Kaluuya as Hampton win the best supporting actor Oscar. I always thought he was the supporting role and not the lead...

I recommend it also.