Review of Black Caesar (1973) by Adam R — 12 Oct 2007
An interesting, kinetic reimagining of the gangster film via blaxploitation.
Fred Williamson turns in a remarkable performance as Tommy, a poor black kid who rises above his inauspicious circumstances to become a mob boss. Like most cinematic mob bosses, Tommy is ruthless, smart, and ambitious, but he has one fatal flaw: pride. This ultimately causes both his rise and fall in a society dominated by corrupt white officials.
Despite the interesting take on the American gangster picture from a different perspective, Cohen often plays the entire film too fast; the kinetic energy of the gun battles often transfers to the story, making the pacing feel rushed.
Tommy's final confrontation with the white police captain who abused him as a child is particularly well-done.
This review of Black Caesar (1973) was written by Adam R on 12 Oct 2007.
Black Caesar has generally received positive reviews.
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