by John Zenoni
Tonight I had a chance to screen the much raved about film, ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ and it's a film that definitely leaves you thinking after watching it - about the tension during that time period (the film is based in the late 60’s), the uprising of the people, the conflicts and the injustice toward minorities. It's definitely a period piece that captures your attention and makes you compare many things captured in the film to what is happening in our world today.
The film is about Fred Hampton, the Chairman of the Illinois Black Panther Party, and how he is eventually betrayed by someone in his own party, FBI informant William O'Neal. There are so many great elements to this film - the action, the dialogue, the backdrops, the speech scenes, and more. All of the cast is outstanding, especially Daniel Kaluuya as Fred Hampton and LaKeith Stanfield as William O’Neal. Both of them give outstanding performances and they stay with you long after the film is over. They are so believable that you feel connected to them while watching the movie.
It should be noted that this is not an easy film to watch at times due to the content and the many acts of hatred, name calling and injustice against other fellow humans that is portrayed but it's an important film to watch. Also hard is the growing tension that you feel building up in the film and the hurt and betrayal experienced by many.
If I had to find any fault at all with the film, I would say that I would’ve liked to have seen more development of the back story of Fred Hampton as well as more interaction between him and O’Neal. But this is a minor thing to say the least.
I didn't know that Fred Hampton was so young when the events happened in his life and it definitely makes you angry to know that he was a target when he was so young.
This is a powerful film and I can see why it's getting the attention and raves it is. Well deserved indeed!
Originally Posted 2/6/21
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