Review of Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song (1971) by Ayanna N — 14 Nov 2014
Perhaps of more significance historically than cinematic ally, I nonetheless found this a fascinating film. It was not a widely distributed film but in the limited markets where it was shown (mostly in "black neighborhoods" I would imagine) it was a HUGE success.
Watching this film now (a bizarre, disjointed "experimental" film) it's hard to imagine what audiences made of it back in the 60s. It's certainly doubtful that it would have the same impact if it came out today.
.. but back in the 60s the very *idea* of a film centered on a black hero on the run from some less-than-perfect police officers was enough to blow peoples' minds. The movie is very a much a product of its time (lots of weird color effects and editing tricks) but I think the "dated" aspects of the film help put the audience back into that particular time and place rather than distancing them from the movie itself.
It's not a perfect movie by any means but it has a strength and a style and great passion... and, in my view, that trumps bland competence.
This review of Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song (1971) was written by Ayanna N on 14 Nov 2014.
Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song has generally received mixed reviews.
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