I learned a lot about the Black Panther era during the film’s debut; it was squarely in our face in documented view. A moment filled with pain; I do not condone violence. I sat in the media room in silence. I felt uncomfortable at times and I squirmed in my seat to see prejudices rule the day and so much hate in the streets.
As much as I’d like to say, “Thank God that today things are not like the film portrayed,” I have to ask myself “how much have things really changed? The film’s point of view is a reflection of humanities pain and militant gun play is not ever a game.
The way the community was at odds with and targeted by the police, is not my idea of united peace. A great deal of my viewing time was spent feeling un-eased.
The title: Judas and The Black Messiah, could have easily been called “The Prejudiced Pariah.” I enjoyed the film, but the storyline anchored on war a bit too much for me. To the point that I remarked, “Damn! I can’t deal with history?” Fortunately for me, I was not in a theater but was home, watching tv.
The whole “sell-out” plot gave me a big headache – it was sobering to remember the film is truth-based. It’s the same storyline from the Bible days, but Judas is a descendent of slaves. In the end Wild Bill was also paid. In the end Fred Hampton was also slain; much like Julius Caesar, Fred was betrayed.
The cast of actors and cinematography were on point – it was a 5-Star joint, and well received. History is what it is, and I pray that we not ever repeat.
Let us heed history and not be doomed. For a rainbow coalition of love, there is always room. Still, I am grateful for those in my community of old, who assembled to demand respect for our community of Black souls. Though to build-out on violence should not ever be a goal.
Kudos to the writers, directors, production crews, and set designing cast. The recreation of Chicago during the 1960’s was on full blast. Hair, make up and wardrobe was authentic and real. The clothing and lingo had a “my parents era” appeal. I enjoyed the familial view and feel.
American Black History can look quite ugly at times, no matter how much you try to dress-it-up in reel or rhyme.
Dare I say that I appreciate it? I do indeed. I also choose to not repeat history, therefore I’ll heed.
America is beyond-due some serious unity. Most people seek to be loved, to live happy and be carefree. There’s a Judas in every community – that dude is a fungus/ that dude’s a yeast. The film hit me hard — it’s an effective beast. All kinds of inference did fall upon me.
An effective story will yield you to think – I am thinking for reel,
I’m Qui
No fan of Judas’ or “sell-outs” but technically, I am a fan of this film.
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Qui Entertainment Magazine 