Review of Body and Soul (1925) by Joel A — 13 Jul 2013

One of the more talked about Oscar Michaeux films that was the feature film debut of African American Actor Paul Robeson.

Although this film had major budget restraints & left the film with many holes its the story is of two brothers both played by Paul Robeson one a gentle man the other a convict posing as a priest.

Both are after Isabelle & she mainly likes the gentleman but mother pushes her to Priest who is a violent, dishonest & criminal man in actuality. The film is filled with some confronting flashback especially the rape scene which was done with just shots of the feet.

A confronting film ahead of its time & Oscar Micheaux was not only a pioneer of Early Black Cinema but a figurehead in cinema alone, well worth a watch.