I remember this film very well as I was getting ready to be a freshman in high school. I truly believed this helped to shape the person who I am today. After watching a movie such as Panther at age 14/15 your way of thinking truly opens up.
Director Mario Van Peebles took a bold movie using his father's novel and bringing it to the big screen. One could say that this is stepping stone for the viewer to learn about this inspiring organization. And with an excellent cast (Kadeem Hardison, Bokeem Woodbine, Courtney B. Vance, Jenifer Lewis, Roger Guenveur, and many others) this historical depiction is truly brought to light. Despite some of the flaws I think is it balanced out to where it motivates you to want to seek further knowledge.And I cannot forget the excellent soundtrack, in particular the lead son song "Freedom".
Panther does a pretty good job in making you feel uncomfortable but not in a bad way. It is meant to confront the audience with the struggles and then appreciate their efforts. For a Hollywood film it did not do a bad job. (This is a movie and not a documentary.) Keep in mind this is a dramatized account of the Black Panther Party story. I'd like to think that another viewpoint was presented to the viewer, and ultimately one message was very clear when a people come together on one accord amazing things can happen.
41st & Central: The Untold Story of the L.A. Black Panthers (2010)
Here is a two part documentary series by filmmaker Gregory Everett, which was featured as the 2010 Centerpiece Presentation at the Pan African Film and Arts Festival, which follows the Southern California Chapter of the Black Panther Party from its high road beginnings of Black Power through its tragic end (demise). I actually had the pleasure of viewing this film at last year's National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta, GA.along with a panel of distinguished guests.
This is a documentary that revisits the mentality of the Black Panthers and reiterates the fact that there will always be room for improving one's self especially when it benefits the community. "41st & Central" gives a portrayal for future generations to look at and see how they can carry on the legacy. With today's society glorifying gangs, violence, and crime, the world needs something like this as a wake-up call. The youth of today could get a great history lesson after watching this documentary, I know I did. 41st & Central: The Untold Story of the L.A. Black Panthers explores the Black Panther ethos, its conflict with the L.A.P.D. and the US Organization, as well as the events that shaped the complicated and often contradictory legacy of the L.A. chapter.
Here is a movie that accurately depicted the true message of the Black Panther Party. To be quite honest is very thought-provoking and riveting. This was a time when Black Americans were feeling very confident in expressing their thoughts and beliefs on self-defense. Featured in this documentary are former Black Panther members Ericka Huggins, Roland & Ronald Freeman, Wayne Pharr, Jeffrey Everett, Long John Washington, Muhammad Mubarak, former L.A.P.D. Chief Bernard Parks, US Organization member Wesley Kabaila, U.C.L.A. Professor Scot Brown, and many others.
Brother Pratt, who was 63, was living in Tanzania at the time of his passing. RIP
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