Review of Judas and the Black Messiah (2021) by Moviemitch96 — 13 Feb 2021

One of the first and most powerful films I've seen so far this year! This chronicles the Black Panther Party Movement of the 60s and 70s, and follows an FBI informant (Lakeith Stanfield), who, in lieu of serving prison time for his previous crimes, is tasked with infiltrating the local chapter of the Black Panthers, led by Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya).

The story is especially timely, important, and relevant to today, what with the BLM movement going strong today, and racial division and tensions being stronger than they've been in years. It's a hard-hitting and sobering reminder of the unfortunate persistence of racism and bigotry that continues to be felt and examined in this country today.

Setting the history aside, however, the film is sharp as a razor and brilliantly told, thanks to several different contributing factors, including the powerful musical score to the brutal and honest performances from all involved.

Lakeith Stanfield and Daniel Kaluuya in particular both own the film with their unforgettable and potent performances. Both men are more than worthy of all the awards and recognition they can get! The film itself never flinches away from or pulls its punches in depicting the events and in all of their full and somber detail, no matter how hard or tragic it may be to watch or accept at times.

By the time the credits rolled, I found myself both infuriated and heartbroken by these real-life events that had transpired. Overall, it's another eye-opener to just how divided and tense things have been and unfortunately still are in regards to race in this country.

Nevertheless, it's powerfully acted and told in a taught and hard-hitting way, making it one of the first great films of the year for me.