Judas and the Black Messiah

Judas and the Black Messiah

Bill O'Neal infiltrates the Black Panthers on the orders of FBI Agent Mitchell and J. Edgar Hoover. As Black Panther Chairman Fred Hampton ascends—falling for a fellow revolutionary en route—a battle wages for O’Neal’s soul.

  • Released: 2021-02-12
  • Runtime: 126 minutes
  • Genre: Drama, History
  • Stars: Lakeith Stanfield, Daniel Kaluuya, Jesse Plemons, Dominique Fishback, Ashton Sanders, Algee Smith, Darrell Britt-Gibson, Lil Rel Howery, Dominique Thorne, Martin Sheen, Amari Cheatom, Ian Duff, Caleb Eberhardt, Robert Longstreet, Nick Fink, Nicholas Velez, Terayle Hill, Graham Lutes, Khris Davis, Amber Chardae Robinson, Ikechukwu Ufomadu, James Udom, Jermaine Fowler, Chris Hahn, Raymond Seay, Linda D Gaines
  • Director: Shaka King
 Comments
  • alexpeychev - 20 March 2024
    Let's delve into a review of the 2021 film "Judas and the Black Messiah":
    Let's delve into a review of the 2021 film "Judas and the Black Messiah":

    "Judas and the Black Messiah" is a powerful and gripping drama that brings to life the true story of assassinated activist Fred Hampton. The film is fueled by never-better performances from Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield. Here's what makes it stand out:

    Daniel Kaluuya as Fred Hampton: Kaluuya's portrayal of Fred Hampton, the murdered chairman of the Illinois Black Panther Party, is electrifying. As he prowls the stage, inspiring audiences with his intense and conviction-filled speeches, he raises the hairs on the back of your neck.

    Hampton's preternatural ability to unite potential enemies and rivals made him dangerous to an America content with the racist status quo. Kaluuya's performance captures that danger and charisma.

    The Role of William O'Neal (Judas): Lakeith Stanfield plays William O'Neal, the FBI informant who betrays Hampton. The Biblical allusion in the title is fitting, as O'Neal's role mirrors that of Judas.

    Unfortunately, O'Neal's character isn't as compelling as Hampton's. The script doesn't fully explore the fraught relationship between O'Neal and his FBI handler, Roy Mitchell (played by Jesse Plemons).

    Visuals and Cinematography: The film's cinematography by Sean Bobbitt is excellent. It captures the intensity of the Black Panthers' goals and struggles.

    However, some sequences within the FBI are less interesting than those featuring the Black Panthers.

    Calls to Social Revolution: "Judas and the Black Messiah" tears through the usual platitudes of Hollywood biopics. It replaces them with full-throated calls to social revolution.

    The film's impact lingers long after the credits roll, leaving viewers with a profound sense of history and injustice.

    In summary, "Judas and the Black Messiah" isn't just a history lesson; it's a gripping drama that demands attention. Kaluuya's performance and the film's unflinching portrayal of racial and economic struggles make it a dead-cert Oscar contender.
  • paulclaassen - 31 March 2023
    Why are they still making films about racism to this day??
    I've said this before and I'll say it again: my ratings for movies are based on the ENTERTAINMENT VALUE (for ME). My ratings are NOT based on how well or how bad movies are made. Bad movies can also be very entertaining!

    A Film can be incredibly well made with great performances, cinematography, production design, etc, but chances are if the subject matter involves racism - or anti-racism for that matter - then chances are almost one hundred percent I will not enjoy the movie.

    Already when I saw the trailer to 'Judas and the Black Messiah' I knew this was not my kind of movie. The fact its based on actual events, even less so. This is not my kind of entertainment, hence my low rating.