Review of Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song (1971) by Kris W — 09 Nov 2010
"The Film that THE MAN doesn't want you to see!".
"Rated X by an all white jury".
"Dedicated to all the Brothers and Sisters who have had enough of the Man".
"Sweet Sweetback will never die a natural death.".
"You bled my Momma--You bled my Poppa--But you won't bleed me.".
Probably more influential and controversial than good, it was groundbreaking black cinema (paving the way for the likes of Spike Lee) and considered by many to be the 1st "blaxploitation" movie. Of note, it features the films creator Melvin Van Peoples, as well as his son, Mario (who at age 13 appears nude and in a simulated sex scene) and a young John Amos (Good Times). Also has a good soundtrack featuring Earth, Wind, and Fire.
Melvin Van Peebles contracted gonorrhea from one of the actresses during filming of one of the sex scenes in the movie. He applied for compensation from the Directors Guild because he "got hurt on the job" and used the money to buy more film.
This review of Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song (1971) was written by Kris W on 09 Nov 2010.
Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song has generally received mixed reviews.
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