The realist, social realist, low-budget response to the mainstream "blaxploitation" cinema of its day.

"The fly-on-the-wall narrative observes the life of a slaughterhouse worker who grapples with poverty, misbehaving children, and the allure of violence." - Ed Gonzalez

A marvel. A slice-of-life/docudrama that is a work of art. Better than anything Spike Lee ever made.

The film sits happily alongside Bicycle Thieves which likewise is great and powerful due to always holding its head up and keeping a sense of humour and humanity. Acknowledging the situation and, if only because there is no other option, giving in to the situation but never forgetting that there is still the potential for joy and love and for that reason never becoming completely hopeless. The scene where Stan and his wife dance to "This Bitter Earth" by Dinah Washington is quietly devestating.

326

Breathtaking.

Earnest like stones.

#337

Really good. Those kids are too cute. The movie feels quite real, nothing much happens but that's the point and it works

This is undoubtedly talented film making, especially considering its low budget, but its unfocused nature and the often stilted acting keep it from greatness. Still, it's a very interesting poetic portrait of life in Watts in the 1970's. The raw images and music are really captivating and while it kind of falters as a whole it has a ton of great little scenes that most definitely make it worth watching.

Seems like a mix of the Little Rascals, Roots, and something a little darker. It's obvious that the Director/Writer tells a tale about a time and place, even a parallel universe, which he knows intimately and probably grew up in. Worth watching; before this lifestyle disappears or already has disappeared.

An interesting film, but I feel like I would've been happier to just watch a movie showing the kids at play. The whole thing doesn't seem to gel (for example, the scene at the apartment where Stan and his friend were buying an old motor was kind of clumsy and confusing). Worth watching but it didn't have a strong effect on me.

Imagine if John Cassavetes' Shadows was really good instead of mediocre, and you've basically got Killer of Sheep. It's almost impossible not think of Cassavetes when watching this film; the ultra-realistic, uncluttered-yet-messy naturalism that Cassavetes was famous for is pervasive throughout, and it makes this film one of the most honest and natural you'll ever see. There's a resigned quality to it: dejected, but not hopeless or despairing, and finding a quiet grace in dignity.

Goddamn if its images just don't spontaneously keep surfacing in my mind.

# 508

It's hard to watch this movie and even harder to review it. It's so good and honest and obviously a response to Watts. Nothing really happens but nothing has to. Maybe the best 10,000 dollars ever spent on film.

Now that this has a DVD release, I hope more people get the chance to see it. It's an incredibly warm and honest film.

Raw yet lyrical portrait of life in Watts. It's very rough around the edges (cost $10,000 after all) but overall worth the price (whatever you paid for it.)

Not your typical formula movie. There is no plot, no melodrama, no suspense, only reality. But it is the best movie I've ever seen about the ghetto. Similar to the Apu trilogy, or Italian neo-realism. If they would have had a better budget to polish the sound a little, I'd have given it 100.

The working man/sheep metaphor is kinda obvious. It has a nice cinematography. It's boring, but also short, so it's worth a watch.

Must see again!

The emperor is wearing no clothes.

realistic cinema has been done much, much better but it's not like I regret watching this.

the gritty realism employed by this movie is, along with some outstanding music, its best feature; had that realism been complemented by a fine story it would have been great. the acting is impressive for the minimal budget, and the camerawork is well handled. i feel that if burnett would have handed off the writing duties to someone better versed in the craft, and he would have been funded better this movie could have been about twice as good. the ending scene is simply fantastic.

The sense of composition and knowing where to find interesting shots is the mark of a true talent. The rambling narrative is either a plus or a minus, depending on your preference. As an ultra-low-budget, black & white, first feature film from a black director about lower-class city life, it reminded me a lot of Straight Out of Brooklyn. This is a lot better than that movie, but they do share one notable flaw: poor acting. Not all the time, but enough to make it distracting.

"...as powerful and moving a film as it's been rumored to be."

350

Killer of Sheep is a rather difficult film to review. It's so personal and well shot that it really makes you feel that your not watching a movie but instead actually viewing their lives. The film is full of wonderful moments of beauty and the soundtrack only adds to the charm. An excellent film only made better by the fact that it was filmed for only $10,000. This movie is of such high caliber that it now for me is the benchmark for all "indie" films.