Director – Melvin Van Peebles (The Outer Limits, Watermelon Man)
Starring – Melvin Van Peebles, Hubert Scales (The Story Behind Baadasssss), and Simon Chuckster
Release Date – 1971
Rating – 3.5/5
Blu Release – 3.5/5
Blaxploitation has been a huge part of my life. I grew up like most children of the 90s watching Nickelodeon and movies like Heavyweights, The Big Green, Space Jam, and so on. That changed in middle school when I was introduced to Blaxploitation flicks. Most know me as a horror fan but if I had to pick movies to watch over and over again I would honestly pick Blaxploitation flicks.
I’ve watched dozens of Blaxploitation flicks over the years and several I’ve watched hundreds of times but there is some “essential” films that I’ve never been able to check out. One such film is the 1971 classic Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song. This Melvin Van Peebles classic is credited with starting the Blaxploitation sub-genre. The film was recently released on blu by the folks over at Vinegar Syndrome and they were kind enough to send a copy my way. Thanks guys!
**Spoiler Alert**The film follows black male prostitute Sweet Sweetback who goes with two white police officers and intervenes as they beat a Black Panther member. He is then thrust in a citywide manhunt. With the police tailing him he has to rely on the local black community to get him through the city while former lovers offer up help after he helps them. **Spoiler Alert**
Sweet Sweetback is an unusual Blaxploitation when compared to the films that followed but it is also unusual when compared to African American films before it. Before Sweet Sweetback was released most films centered around African Americans followed them dying or getting arrested at the hands of the police and other organizations referred to as “the man.” This was the first film to go against that and set the tone for films to follow.
The acting in this one is strange but not bad. Melvin Van Peebles takes duel roles in the film as director and star. His performance is not award winning but he is able to pull the whole film together into an unforgettable piece of movie history. The supporting cast consists of mostly inexperienced members who have no other film credits. They do a decent job but several scenes do fall flat due to their inexperience.
The story for this one is simple but speaks volumes about America, not only during 1971 but even today. A man standing up for his brotherhood and fleeing from the police was not only an everyday occurrence in the 70s but it is something that can still be seen today. This film is a huge political statement. With that being said, the film has several dry scenes that does slow the pacing of the film down. The story is solid but is does push your patience at the films running time.
Finally, if you are looking for blood and gore you shouldn’t be watching a Blaxploitation flick to begin with. There is some blood but not enough to even mention. If you want blood or gore I suggest going for a horror flick and not a Blaxploitation flick. Overall, Sweet Sweetback is a pivotal film in movie history and ushered in a sub-genre of film still enjoyed today. It is flawed but still worth a watch. Check it out.
Special Features:
4K Restoration
Archival Making Of Featurette
Interviews
Reversible Cover
