Review of Dead Presidents (1995) by Ryan M — 25 Feb 2010
A young group of guys from New York's Bronx struggle with 1960s/70s life and join the Vietnam war to fight for their country, which have consequences that change their lives forever.
Dead Presidents has become the forgotten great black new wave film of the 90's. During the 1990's directors such as Spike Lee and John Singleton were being tipped as the directors who would throw black cinema into the for front of Hollywood cinema. No one saw the emergence of the Hughes brothers though. Although their debut film Menace 2 society would be their breakthrough 'DP' is arguably the film to judge the brothers skills by.
The Film is an impressive comment on black equality and the social impact on various classes involvements in the controversial Vietnam War.
Held together by an impressively directed film. Also at times visually stylish, and at times takes a few leaves out of Martin Scorsese's earlier work.
The centre performance of Anthony played by Larenz Tate is spot on, and overall the Hughes brothers get an impressive set of performances from all of his cast. Including the one and only good performance from a one Chris Tucker, who is great here.
The film is rushed after the impressively staged climatic heist in the closing act of the film. Still overall this is stylish film which raises enough food for thought and is thrilling thought out.
This review of Dead Presidents (1995) was written by Ryan M on 25 Feb 2010.
Dead Presidents has generally received positive reviews.
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