Review of Billy Jack (1971) by Sam T — 10 Jun 2007

I've seen millions of films, but if there is one film that I go back to again and again it's Billy Jack. No, it's not a cinematic masterpiece, but something in this film has captured my imagination since the night I first saw it nearly twenty years ago.

Perhaps it's its honesty or the fact that Tom Laughlin, the man behind the film (writer, director and, of course, the man who portays Billy Jack)believed so much in a message and brought that vision to the screen.

Billy Jack is one part indian warrior, one part freedom fighter and one part Kung Fu Master who fights for freedom, compassion, love and peace by giving all who oppose it a quick roundhouse to the left side of his face.

Sure, the acting is pretty bad and the production value is terrible, but the message and inspiration that is this film still affets all that see it today. I think what the real appeal is the character of Billy Jack - a man who deep inside wants to be a pacifist and believes in love, but is willing to take what he deems to be right in his own hands and fight for it despite the odds.

Billy Jack is a hero for all men to look up to. A man who takes care of those he loves and stands up for what he believes in despite the consequences. Billy Jack is an unwavering hero that we need today more then ever.