Out today is one of the year’s best films in JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH. An in-depth look into the rise and tragic assassination of Black Panther Party Chairman Fred Hampton the film highlights the humanity of the movement and the decades long struggle to showcase the reality of what really happened. Shaka King’s powerful film is a must see. Here is my full review of the movie.
FBI informant William O’Neal (LaKeith Stanfield) infiltrates the Illinois Black Panther Party and is tasked with keeping tabs on their charismatic leader, Chairman Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya). O’Neal revels in the danger of manipulating both his comrades and his handler, Special Agent Roy Mitchell (Jesse Plemons). Hampton’s political prowess grows just as he’s falling in love with fellow revolutionary Deborah Johnson (Dominique Fishback). Meanwhile, a battle wages for O’Neal’s soul. Will he align with the forces of good? Or subdue Hampton and The Panthers by any means, as FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover (Martin Sheen) commands?
The movie is a tremendous showcase of acting talent led by Daniel Kaluuya and LaKeith Stanfield’s award winning performances. The duo are a terrific yin and yang partnership that allows the film to dive into the full story of the movement and those that opposed it. Along with the two star leads are Jesse Plemons and Dominque Fishback stand out performances. They both have stoic portrayals of Special Agent Mitchell and Deborah Johnson respectively. Plemons work with Stanfield is some of the more powerful scenes in the movie. The film’s drama lies heavily with the true life infiltration by William O’Neal. Dominque’s thoughtful take on Johnson reflects the unseen side of Fred Hampton that has been left out of so many historical reactions to his story. Through the Johnson character we witness the full life that the young Hampton was able to live in just his short 21 years and his connection through his son. King’s ability to mix in the vibrant elements and the intimate points of Hampton’s story is what makes Judas such a lovely film. It’s not just a drama filled film but rather dives deeply into the everyday lives of Hampton and even the conflicted nature of Bill O’Neal’s tragic life. Both men are given appropriate screen time to really tell a complete story.
Cinematographer Sean Bobbitt’s amazing skills are wonderfully showcased in the film. A movie that revolves around speeches and conversations could come across as boring, but not with Bobbitt on board. King’s film is given a real uplift with the camera choices and fluid movements that make this film tense and exciting from beginning to tragic violent end. The way in which Hampton’s famous speeches are captured really evokes his tremendous appeal as a vocal leader in the Black Panther Party. Bobbitt’s touch is the A+ element that makes this film carry such weight to the overall film’s appeal.
Shaka King has mentioned that he utilized Martin Scorsese’s THE DEPARTED as an obvious inspiration and reference for this film. That choice allows for the lead characters to have such a nice duality that the Scorsese’s film totally showcased. The infiltration element is a direct connective element between films and gives the Bill O’Neal side of the story its true significance. To understand all sides of this story is what makes it so compelling and that mirror’s Scorsese’s award-winning film. The other genius touch is the film being book-ended by the actual final interview Bill O’Neal gave for the Eyes on the Prize documentary sequel. His haunting take on his actions are the constant reminder of just how manipulative our law enforcement and FBI were to our country’s own people like Fred Hampton. An eye opening film that makes you look at the sad reality that things have not changed that much when it comes to race relations in the US.
Hopefully this true tale will help shed light on the misguided elements that continue to separate rather than bring together our country.
Directed by: Shaka King
Written by: Shaka King (screenplay) and Berson (screenplay) with story by King, Berson and Kenneth and Keith Lucas.
Rated: R
Running Time: 2hr 6min
Biography, Drama, History
Theatrical Release and On HBO MAX on February 12th.
Starring: Daniel Kaluuya, LaKeith Stanfield, Jesse Plemons, Dominque Fishback, Robert Longstreet and Martin Sheen.
4.5 out of 5 Stars
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie, well worth the price.
4 Stars – Good movie
3 Stars – OK movie
2 Stars – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
1 Star – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn’t paid for it.
