5 Compelling Reasons to Watch Judas and the Black Messiah Right Now!

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Over the years, numerous remarkable biographical films have been created, each focusing on notable individuals who’ve made a substantial impact on the world. In the realm of biopics led by Black talent, classics like “Malcolm X,” “42,” and “Selma” stand out. However, one often overlooked gem in this category is “Judas and the Black Messiah.” To put it simply, this film is more than worth your viewing time for several compelling reasons.

As a movie critic, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the 2021 release of the historical drama, “Judas.” Long overdue for a biopic, the late activist and deputy Black Panther Party chairman, Fred Hampton, was a towering figure in the Black community whose impact is still felt today.

Director Shaka King masterfully portrays Hampton’s life, as well as that of his comrades, with a poignant blend of beauty and tragedy. The film offers an unforgettable exploration of Hampton’s work and the struggle for justice during a tumultuous time in American history.

In short, “Judas” is a must-see for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the Black experience and the ongoing fight for equality. This movie deserves recognition for its powerful storytelling and unflinching portrayal of an iconic figure whose legacy continues to inspire.

Judas And The Black Messiah Doesn’t Follow The Typical Biopic Formula

In most biographical films, they attempt to encapsulate a subject’s entire life, especially if they are no longer alive, by portraying their journey from childhood to demise. However, Shaka King deviates from this pattern in his film Judas and the Black Messiah, as it focuses on the final chapter of Fred Hampton’s life. This period encompasses the establishment of the Rainbow Coalition and the FBI’s surveillance, along with Bill O’Neal, a federal informant whose covert activities were instrumental in Hampton’s untimely death.

By focusing the story within this particular timeframe, you ensure it remains concise and avoids being overly complex or overwhelming. Imagine it as a single, well-framed image capturing a moment in someone’s life, rather than a vast collection of photos spanning their entire existence.

Despite Taking Some Liberties, The Film Effectively Portrays Real-Life Events

It’s well-known that movies based on real events often alter details to better fit their themes. For example, “Judas and the Black Messiah” doesn’t escape this trend: According to PolitiFacts, the film suggests that FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover specifically targeted the Black Panthers as a national security threat, while in truth, he focused on all Black nationalist groups. As reported by Uproxx, the character Jimmy Palmer, who is wounded in the film, was not the actual person injured during the events depicted.

In the film, numerous adjustments were made, but many of the depicted events are factual. For instance, Fred Hampton was arrested and spent months in prison on charges of assaulting an ice cream truck driver and stealing approximately $71 worth of ice cream to distribute among children. Moreover, his collaborative efforts with underprivileged Whites and various ethnic groups are generally portrayed accurately.

Judas And The Black Messiah Presents A Nuanced Look At The Black Panthers

Many people may initially perceive the Black Panther Party as a highly aggressive activist organization that wasn’t hesitant to use violence to achieve their goals. However, not all portrayals of the group are historically accurate, and some fictional depictions can reinforce this negative image (like in the movie Forest Gump, where the Black Panther Party is briefly mentioned).

The Panthers were known for their dramatic approaches when needed, yet they were much more than just that. Their purpose extended beyond bombast; they championed broad education, initiated the Free Breakfast for School Children Program (as depicted in the film), and set up health facilities. The movie’s creators shared with TopMob that their intention was to reshape public opinion about the Panthers. Consequently, instead of being seen solely as a militant group, they are portrayed as community organizers.

Daniel Kaluuya, Lakeith Stanfield And More Give Incredible Performances

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King’s guidance is spot-on, but the cast of “Judas and the Black Messiah” equally deserves a substantial amount of praise. In an interview with TopMob, King himself praised his “dream team” of actors. Among them are Dominique Fishback, who powerfully portrays Deborah Johnson (now Akua Njeri), the girlfriend of “Chairman Fred,” who eventually bears his child. Dominique Thorne also delivers a convincing performance as BP member Judy Harmon. Jesse Plemons excels as FBI agent Roy Mitchell, subtly revealing complexities in his character. Other notable performances come from Ashton Sanders, Algee Smith, Khris Davis, and Martin Sheen.

Without a doubt, Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield deliver exceptional performances in their roles as Fred Hampton and Bill O’Neil respectively. Kaluuya truly immerses himself in the character of Hampton, conveying his passionate, intense, and warm nature convincingly. On the other hand, Stanfield masterfully portrays O’Neil as a man struggling to navigate a system that dictates society’s rules while driven by an urgent need to survive. It came as no shock to me that both actors were nominated for the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, and it was even less of a surprise when Kaluuya took home the win.

The Movie’s Music Is Impeccable And Used To Great Effect

In this Fred Hampton-focused movie, music truly adds depth, and that’s evident throughout the film. The composers Mark Isham and Craig Harris crafted the soundtrack, which is perfectly subtle in some parts and powerfully intense in others. One of my favorite scenes where the music really shines occurs during Hampton’s speech to his fellow activists after he was released from prison.

Alongside the movie’s score, an exceptional original song called “Fight for You” is featured. This powerful piece is sung and co-written by renowned artist H.E.R., addressing societal issues like racism and police brutality through its lyrics (with Tiara Thomas as a co-writer). The captivating verses and H.E.R.’s velvety vocals make it a track that’s hard to get enough of, earning it multiple replays. It was truly rewarding when this powerful tune took home the Best Original Song award at the Oscars and Best Traditional R&B Performance award at the Grammy Awards.

Without a doubt, Shaka King’s historical drama offers much to admire. Essentially, it’s a skillfully directed, passionately performed, and meticulously assembled biopic that offers ample food for thought. The ending of Judas and the Black Messiah might be hard to stomach, but trust me when I say it’s essential viewing for anyone who values history or enjoys a compelling biopic. As Black History Month persists, make sure you catch this one, as it can be rented or purchased on various digital platforms.

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2025-02-17 00:07