By Imara Ikhumen
image source : https://gatewayfilmcenter.org/movies/judas-and-the-black-messiah/
Judas and the Black Messiah is imperative viewing. That’s just a fact. Many people have spent their lives receiving misinformation about the Black Panther Party. In schools most were taught that they were an extremist group whose main method of protest was through violence. Shaka King sets the record straight using historical evidence to show how members of the Black Panther Party were directly targeted for their work and treated as threats that needed to be neutralized by the government. King’s film reminds the viewer that in addition to the covert operations, vicious physical assault, and traps set by the government to teardown the Panthers; one of their attacks which has indirectly had the most casualties over time has been their refusal to acknowledge the actual goals and grassroots strategy of the Panthers and insistence on spreading lies about the Party. I couldn’t help but notice similarities to contemporary racist rhetoric being used to discredit Black Lives Matter movement which equates BLM to terrorism.
The film also contains a potent commentary on respectability politics. One of the detectives, Roy Mitchell (played by Jesse Plemons), makes a comment toward Bill O’ Neal (played by LaKeith Stanfield) which really stood out as representative of the US government at the time and still to this day: “You can’t cheat your way to equality”. This is to say that equality must be earned through good behavior and compliance– something that the Black Panthers would never concede to, which caused their lives to be constantly in danger. The vile intentions of the oppressive government to suppress the rise of organizations that uplift black people are exposed and it is impossible to forget the absurd cruelty that is shown.
Watching this extremely high tension film, what helps convey the severity of the Panthers’ experience with the US government is the fantastic acting from everyone involved. However, Daniel Kaluuya in particular, immediately blew me away with the energy he brought to the film. He exceptionally portrayed the mesmerizing magnetism that is apparent when watching archival footage of Fred Hampton’s speeches. Like the real Hampton, Kaluuya is a captivating speaker, and it is quite apparent why his nonviolent and caring recruitment style managed to unite people of all races and backgrounds. Hampton comes across as a charismatic and intelligent leader who will do anything for his people. It is incredible to see the actual complicated, well-conceived history and workings of the Black Panthers and other similar outreach groups.
In an interview, Shaka King said that he wanted to “show the danger of being “apolitical””. He absolutely succeeded. Judas and the Black Messiah is a war film in a lot of ways. The government is shown consistently using psychological and literal warfare against black citizens. They can kill black people, they can destroy property and deny us basic human rights. But if we fight back or ask for what we’re are owed, we may face a death penalty without a trial. If a person cannot see this and feel some level of outrage or desire to witness change, then they are in danger.
Judas and the Black Messiah is a tale of brutality, brilliance, and resilience. Every person, but especially, every black person should see this.
