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Judas and the Black Messiah
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Judas and the Black Messiah

2021
Drama
History
2h 6m
The story of Fred Hampton, Chairman of the Illinois Black Panther Party, and his fateful betrayal by FBI informant William O'Neal. (imdb)
Directed by:
Shaka King
Written by:
Shaka King Kenneth Lucas Keith Lucas Will Berson
+3 more
Starring:
Martin Sheen Martin Sheen Jesse Plemons Jesse Plemons Robert Longstreet Daniel Kaluuya Daniel Kaluuya Lakeith Stanfield Lakeith Stanfield Ashton Sanders Dominique Fishback Lil Rel Howery Lil Rel Howery Algee Smith Algee Smith Jermaine Fowler Jermaine Fowler Darrell Britt-Gibson Dominique Thorne Dominique Thorne
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Genres:
Drama, History, Biography
Country:
USA
Language:
English
imdb More information at IMDb
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Judas and the Black Messiah

2021
Drama
History
2h 6m
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Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 59.63% from 902 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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hofschneiderHofschneider
Rated 24 Feb 2021
84
79th
Ryan Coogler is building a star system - and I'm all here for it. What Stanfield and Kaluuya are doing here is unreal. This is some DeNiro-Pacino shit and it's time we talk about it in these terms.
Rated 24 Feb 2021
leonardisLeonardis
Rated 24 Apr 2021
95
84th
I was pretty surprised by how good this is. This particular story revolving around Hampton and O'Neal should honestly be essential viewing. Kaluuya is phenomenal and Stanfield is also really good. I thought some of the directing felt like Michael Mann and the beautiful cinematography helps back that thought up. I do think the last half hour drags a bit, but it's otherwise a well paced, very investing drama with quite the punch. Very well done.
Rated 24 Apr 2021
juntakinte99juntakinte99
Rated 14 Feb 2021
75
49th
Like Malcolm X or Selma, a Fred Hampton biopic is needed--both as a piece of history and an epic film. The story serves the collective liberation politics well, especially via a Kaluuya performance that shows the love and charm of Fred Hampton. But the picture slightly misses the movie by not fully dramatizing the two men in question--especially from the emotional fallout of the betrayal. Also, the film can be a bit too mawkish with its romance and period music soundtrack. Still, recommended.
Rated 14 Feb 2021
sellissellis
Rated 13 Feb 2021
87
81st
Full of power. A screenplay that feels refined, no fat. Sound casting. Excellent musical composition. The majority of it plays like Michael Mann directed Black KKKlansman, with a Battle of Algiers-edge. But where Algiers uplifts in the end by demonstrating the perseverance of the revolutionary pulse, Judas shows the tragedy and perseverance through healing. Excellent film.
Rated 13 Feb 2021
neonmanNeonman
Rated 12 May 2021
70
38th
It's well told, concise, and clear, but also linear and missing some kind of spectacle, insight, or even tension. But the direction is ambitious, helped by some powerful performances (both actors of which are somehow both supporting).
Rated 12 May 2021
kavuKavu
Rated 06 Apr 2021
90
94th
Excellent all around. Kaluuya and Stanfield stand out, but nobody is a weak link.
Rated 06 Apr 2021
therealj_roTheRealJ-Ro
Rated 21 Feb 2021
80
70th
One of my first thoughts when I started watching the movie, upon seeing Ryan Coogler's name as a producer, was to question why they didn't get him to direct it. After finishing the movie (no disrespect to Coogler), I'm glad they didn't, because Shaka King did a tremendous job with this material. Kaluuya and Stanfield both put in excellent work in film-driving efforts. Between this and "Trial of the Chicago 7", we have an excellent spiritual duology of social justice in the late 60's in America.
Rated 21 Feb 2021
mattorama12mattorama12
Rated 13 Feb 2021
72
68th
Really well cast, with Kaluuya convincing as an inspirational leader and Stanfield adds to his impressive resume with another complicated and tortured character. I think Stanfield is officially on the short list of actors whose presence alone is enough to ensure something will be worth seeing.
Rated 13 Feb 2021
destrodestro
Rated 23 Aug 2021
88
75th
A light handed, taut retelling of the assassination of Fred Hampton. I particularly enjoyed the performances being sublime instead of over the top. Recommended.
Rated 23 Aug 2021
jacobclark12jacobclark12
Rated 09 Mar 2021
96
94th
This film hits. Shaka King is someone I've never heard of before but is now someone who I will be watching with great interest. He helms this film so confidently and with oodles of swagger, yet never forgetting to make thematic points at every single turn. Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield knock their performances out of the park, but every cast member deserves a ton of praise for upping their game too; Jesse Plemmons and Dominique Fishback are quite noteworthy.
Rated 09 Mar 2021
offlineozofflineoz
Rated 21 Feb 2021
80
75th
Socialism, so hot right now.
Rated 21 Feb 2021
abunchofcatsABUNCHOFCATS
Rated 23 Jun 2021
80
52nd
Takes its time to build but the finale is amazing. Great performances.
Rated 23 Jun 2021
corbadCorbad
Rated 25 Mar 2021
65
42nd
An undeniably powerful story and movement is no more than serviceably rendered behind the screen—blandly written and uninterestingly constructed. The film's focus is the period and the delivery of the historical beats, to the detriment of any character study; Stanfield's Bill shows up to participate, but is never a compelling centrifuge. A polished TV movie.
Rated 25 Mar 2021
stuie299stuie299
Rated 01 Mar 2021
85
76th
This is just a well written movie, built on the two central performances of Kaluuya and Stanfield. They absolutely nail their characters. Fishback also puts in an extremely strong supporting effort. Plemons' and Sheen's characters on the other hand felt more written and less natural. While the majority of the film feels very fresh, they hold it back slightly by being more cliched villains/antagonists. BTW I can't forget the score/soundtrack. Another good example of how to combine music and film.
Rated 01 Mar 2021
soixistSoixist
Rated 09 Apr 2021
80
60th
Really Good
Rated 09 Apr 2021
future42future42
Rated 13 Feb 2021
40
73rd
Well paced, well acted drama. The acting from the two leads is fantastic.
Rated 13 Feb 2021
obdurateObdurate
Rated 15 Feb 2021
85
80th
Much love to Kaluuya and Stanfield, who drive a lot of this film. While the ending itself is rather crippling, I did find that the movie tapered off a bit at a certain point. Up until then the tension and drama was building and I was really compelled by it but then it became a little less special. Even still, that was late enough into the film that it remained really great. The story is still interesting but that's the only gripe. Directing, acting, music--all memorable.
Rated 15 Feb 2021
magdabagmagdabag
Rated 30 Apr 2021
93
89th
Some of the best acting of the year, and I was thoroughly surprised and entertained. I didn't have too many expectations for this movie, but It was nothing that I had imagined. It maybe had a but of a sour ending, but that's life and I find it refreshing when movies don't end how you want them to. Definitely give this a watch if you're a movie buff.
Rated 30 Apr 2021
addsAdds
Rated 19 Aug 2021
50
23rd
The acting and story was good but the pacing didn't keep my attention very well so I ended up not really knowing what was going on or even caring much. I think people felt obligated to rave about this to stay politically correct.
Rated 19 Aug 2021
perrystroikaPerryStroika
Rated 24 May 2021
77
94th
This incredible film manages to be a moving biopic about the life and death of an extraordinary man, a taut political thriller, and a provocation and a challenge to the inner Judas in all of us, that impenetrable core of inner selfishness that makes us sell out others for our own thirty pieces of silver.
Rated 24 May 2021
bownBown
Rated 08 Jun 2021
83
67th
Usually when you say “a movie is ## minutes too long” you can’t pick out the exact sections but in this case it is like EXACTLY the 15-20 minutes before they get onto the assassination bit. Aside from that, really good stuff - fantastic performances, great script, lively, powerful filmmaking.
Rated 08 Jun 2021
ajaywAjayw
Rated 14 Feb 2021
83
87th
A great story and excellent performances from Stanfield and Fishback. I didn't really buy Plemons as an asshole cop, but his exuberant whiteness plays well with the subject matter. It's hard to keep track of all of the characters, but there are some great bit performances throughout.
Rated 14 Feb 2021
radumsmnradumsmn
Rated 19 May 2021
72
59th
All of which are American dreams. All of which are American dreams. All of which are American dreams.
Rated 19 May 2021
jschlanskyJSchlansky
Rated 25 Feb 2021
90
91st
Fucking great. A real must-watch
Rated 25 Feb 2021
natebarriosnatebarrios
Rated 14 Feb 2021
80
86th
yes to Shaka King, yes to Daniel Kaluuya, yes to Lakeith Stanfield (c'mon now...) but most importantly: yes to motherfuckin' Dominique Fishback.
Rated 14 Feb 2021
kasperlKasperL
Rated 25 Apr 2021
55
39th
Unexceptional, but completely watchable.
Rated 25 Apr 2021
doyler29doyler29
Rated 20 Jun 2021
80
68th
It's a very good film, that does a fantastic job of telling us who Fred Hampton was and what a tragedy his death was. It would have been a great film if it gave us more insight into O'Neal's tragic situation.
Rated 20 Jun 2021
anniehallAnnieHall
Rated 15 Apr 2021
85
71st
What a powerful and special story. I don't know if I should admire Kaluuya or Stanfield more, they were both fantastic. Jesse Plemons, typical villain as always. It was very meaningful to see O'Neal's real-life interviews. We see painfully how police violence and racial discrimination, while that Fred's speech scene ( huge credit to Daniel Kaluuya ) is the top moment of the film. I don't like to compare, but I think it's better than The Trial of the Chicago 7, at least I liked it more.
Rated 15 Apr 2021
moribunnyMoribunny
Rated 11 Jun 2021
35
19th
Tacky Hollywood tripe adorned by an interesting historical subject. Every minute of it screams "I'm a movie".
Rated 11 Jun 2021
le_mamile mami
Rated 21 Apr 2021
65
59th
Glad to learn about this man. Fred Hampton is an insprational socialist killed by an operation by the U.S.A. I HATE AMERICA :(
Rated 21 Apr 2021
hajikarimihajikarimi
Rated 20 Apr 2021
90
59th
1841: i didn't know about this man. it was good to know about black panters and their leader
Rated 20 Apr 2021
bentienbentien
Rated 13 Nov 2021
55
40th
Important but uneven biopic that's mostly watchable due to Stanfield and Kaluuya's performances.
Rated 13 Nov 2021
joelwatchesmoviesjoelwatchesmovies
Rated 24 Apr 2021
7
63rd
In the way it captures the injustice, high stakes, and high-running emotions of the revolution it triumphs, and loudly-the music, the sounds, the turns all scream for your attention (see especially Hampton's welcome home speech). As a whole it feels a bit scattered though, with biopic-obligatory-feeling side plots (see Jake's revenge), teased but discarded character dynamics (see Roy's discomfort with Hoover), and a titular relationship that doesn't quite live up to its dramatic potential.
Rated 24 Apr 2021
timmotimmo
Rated 12 May 2021
95
88th
Kaluuya is incredible, and the narrative is a graduate-level course in social movements.
Rated 12 May 2021
mjoc0723mjoc0723
Rated 11 Mar 2021
40
27th
Good acting and excellent production values. But essentially mostly boring liberal propaganda.
Rated 11 Mar 2021
jlfmJLFM
Rated 13 Mar 2021
76
70th
Confidently directed by Shaka King, Judas and the Black Messiah is a fiery and frequently gripping look at brutal racism and division. Lakeith Stanfield and Daniel Kaluuya are completely terrific. I also feel like this should be getting a lot more attention in craft departments - the production design and costumes are excellent.
Rated 13 Mar 2021
peyrinpeyrin
Rated 19 Apr 2021
80
81st
It's hard to assess the political accuracy and the extent of stifling the revolutionary influence of the Panthers when you're already leftpilled (you sort of subconsciously fill in the gaps yourself), but I can't say I noticed any glaring missteps. Probably about as good as you could expect from something running the typical awards circuit.
Rated 19 Apr 2021
howler19howler19
Rated 05 Aug 2022
30
22nd
The Black Panthers were an interesting organization. They were undoubtedly fighting injustices and corrupt feds, but it's not just a question of what you are fighting against. It's also a question of what you are fighting for. I have to say I think this movie was disingenuous in the way it portrayed communist themes like that is somehow compatible with being the good guy. Fuck that. A lot of good acting, though.
Rated 05 Aug 2022
karlsonkarlson
Rated 29 Mar 2021
70
45th
I kind of digged this movie, but I see 1 great flaw: the main character is a mess. It's interesting they show the real Bill O'Neal in the end, which made it clear that this man was not hindered by an educated, internal conscience. The fictional Bill, however, struggles every minute of the movie with his overflowing conflicting emotions. This should have been played fare more conservatively and unscrupulous, like, a young denzel washington could've done (if he had the courage!).
Rated 29 Mar 2021
sopachuco13sopachuco13
Rated 12 Mar 2021
90
84th
These types of historical biography films are a double edged sword - they inspire me but they also make me incredibly sad. Daniel Kaluuya as Fred Hampton was inspiring. Lakeith Stanfield was generally wonderful but there were times when I was bored by his performance. I can understand if it was just the direction of the character but it still left me wanting more from him. The final moments of the movie saved his performance. It is a hard movie to watch but it's important none-the-less.
Rated 12 Mar 2021
glumpy99glumpy_99
Rated 13 Mar 2021
80
62nd
Kaluuya's forceful and charismatic performance is the highlight, with King internalising the sensibilities of Scorsese and Lee while bringing his own distinctive touches to bear. Hampered by its centering of the narrative on Stanfield's "Judas" – we learn so little about him except for his superficial interactions with Plemons' stock FBI Agent, which means that he can't hold his own in this otherwise compelling narrative. A still compelling and fascinating tale.
Rated 13 Mar 2021
dommulldommull
Rated 14 Sep 2023
69
49th
Very strong acting and unusual nuance and complexity of emotion
Rated 14 Sep 2023
mspraguemsprague
Rated 11 May 2021
85
91st
Wow, what a cast! Excellent film.
Rated 11 May 2021
fredericg54frederic_g54
Rated 06 Aug 2021
5
20th
Whoever edited that trailer deserves both an Oscar and a prison sentence, because everything, from the characters to the writing, was incredibly underwhelming. Like witnessing a bunch of juveniles play fighting with their toy guns. Either I haven't seen it, or no one has made the definitive movie about Black History or racial inequality yet. I should probably watch 13th or Do the Right Thing again.
Rated 06 Aug 2021
fra_paolofra paolo
Rated 12 Jul 2022
51
54th
THE CONFORMIST meets THE DEPARTED has it about right, although if you know the story going in, there's not much suspense.
Rated 12 Jul 2022
dmcrimsonDMCrimson
Rated 15 Feb 2021
86
94th
Lakeith Stanfield utterly crushes it the entire movie, what a performance.
Rated 15 Feb 2021
movie_houseMovie House
Rated 22 Feb 2021
80
68th
Great performances, great filmmaking, needs better editing.
Rated 22 Feb 2021
semioticussemioticus
Rated 19 Apr 2021
80
70th
The film lacks the exclamation marks that one has come to except from this genre/subject, but arguably that's also why this is a fresh take. Kaluuya is great, Stanfield is greater. We need a lot more movies about the 60s and COINTELPRO.
Rated 19 Apr 2021
filliganFilligan
Rated 12 May 2021
87
67th
Somewhat by-the-numbers biopic but an interesting slant on an underrepresented historical figure, well directed by Shaka King. Stanfield and Kaluuya are both electric and cannot be turned away from.
Rated 12 May 2021
darrenDarren
Rated 03 Apr 2021
80
76th
Like any of these movies you're never going to get a fully realized portrait of who Chairman Hampton was but at least this one acknowledges the class first consciousness that he had. Agree with many that have said O'neal for being the lead is underwritten mainly because the second act flounders. Interested in more from Shaka King
Rated 03 Apr 2021
war_machineWar Machine
Rated 30 Mar 2021
65
39th
89+68+impersonatingFBItorobblackssohired+pantherclass+keepaninformantkillercuzletsthemhavewarrantforharboringfugitivelol+wowtheymadehimstayaninformantafterthemurderlol+iwaspartofthestruggle-notarmchairrevolutionary-suicidethedaythedocairedlol+Fredwas21+wifepartofmodernpanthers-sonchairman
Rated 30 Mar 2021
dolphinspursDolphinSpurs
Rated 02 Apr 2021
70
28th
The incredulity of the events in the story would be laughable if they were not based on history which sort of takes away from the impact of the proceedings. I never heard what Hampton sounded like so it's hard to know if Kaluuya was overacting or not, but he put in a borderline powerhouse performance. Stanfield was lacking, only compared to the A+ work he usually delivers. Overall, a solid entry into the canon about an undercelebrated figure in American History. Jesse Plemons was also excellent
Rated 02 Apr 2021
borasevilmisborasevilmis
Rated 12 Mar 2022
70
63rd
Çok daha iyi bir film olacakken potansiyelini pek kullanamaması filmin olması gerektiği yerden düşmesini sağlıyor.
Rated 12 Mar 2022
akatemossfanAKateMossFan
Rated 04 Mar 2021
1
8th
moraesfelipemoraesfelipe
Rated 25 Apr 2021
65
61st
Not as good as a political film as it is as story about myth. Mostly an actor's film than a fully accomplished biopic, but still engrossing in its own angry and conventional way -- it would've been great if this were more confrontational and had less FBI material (which are pretty bad) and more "inside job" about the Panthers Party.
Rated 25 Apr 2021
heynicefilmHeyNiceFilm
Rated 09 May 2021
73
34th
Didn't BlacKkKlansman already do this? Felt like the same movie, in a way. The guy from Get Out is great in this. This film feels very topical for today's political climate. But it just felt too dragged out at times, especially two thirds of the way in. The cinematography bump this one up.
Rated 09 May 2021
panomadgreekpanomadgreek
Rated 01 Apr 2023
73
63rd
Maybe I will join the Black Panthers after all.
Rated 01 Apr 2023
sealsseals
Rated 13 Feb 2021
8
81st
Fred Hampton's story is such a tragic, shameful piece of American history. raise your hand if you've heard it. thought so.
Rated 13 Feb 2021
arossaross
Rated 11 Sep 2021
78
59th
Stanfield and Kaluuya make this movie
Rated 11 Sep 2021
driscarpindriscarpin
Rated 22 Nov 2021
82
70th
Em honra do dia da Consciência Negra. Considero o documentário The Murder of Fred Hampton uma obra prima combativa, talvez por isso Judas and the Black Messiah não tenha me entusiasmado tanto, se dá muito espaço para o Judas e o império romano do que para Jesus e seus ensinamentos em si, esperava mesmo um panfleto dos Panteras, não vou mentir. Mas também não tem como negar que é um filme que arvora uma indignação emocional salutar à combatividade. BlurayRip R-A-R-B-G.
Rated 22 Nov 2021
thedicemanTheDiceman
Rated 16 Feb 2021
75
89th
An example of how revolution only happens if the powers that be want it to happen. History has shown that those who stand to unite mankind are always slain. Great film with great performances.
Rated 16 Feb 2021
myfavchordsmyfavchords
Rated 04 Apr 2022
77
63rd
This film tells an interesting story. The cast does a great job in this film especially Daniel Kaluuya. Overall I would recommend this film.
Rated 04 Apr 2022
psimpsim
Rated 19 Apr 2021
76
54th
This movie has a great cast and tells a story I hadn't heard before and which deserves to be told, but after a number of similarly well-made recent (and probably long overdue) films reckoning with events of that era, it didn't stand out of the pack for me.
Rated 19 Apr 2021
hadleyreisHadleyreis
Rated 21 Jan 2023
82
80th
Excellent supporting actors.
Rated 21 Jan 2023
grouchyGrouchy
Rated 24 Mar 2021
75
39th
It's a fine movie, and Stanfield/Kaluuya rock it out of the park. As for the awards controversy, I'm pretty sure Stanfield should be the protagonist and Kaluuya the supporting, if we all agree that it's not necessarily related to actual screentime. The movie reminded me of Blackkklansman - I had a pet peeve with that which is that the informant in the actual events spent years infiltrating the Black Panthers.
Rated 24 Mar 2021
bruhcringeBruhCringe
Rated 05 Apr 2021
82
76th
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Rated 05 Apr 2021
montycircusMontyCircus
Rated 22 Apr 2021
60
69th
Good stuff, and didn't gloss over the death cult, "we'll kill them all or die trying" violent philosophy. Powerful performance by Kaluuya, and keep in mind he's British innit!
Rated 22 Apr 2021
kgbelliveaukgbelliveau
Rated 13 Feb 2021
95
91st
A well written and well polished script this is how you tell a story of revolution, loss, complex people with conflicting inner turmoil. Kaluuya and Stanfield bring so much depth to this story as one is likable leader figure and the other is stuck in the middle of a war. It's a captivating film all the way through thanks in large part to a large cast who all play their part in bringing this story to life.
Rated 13 Feb 2021
shockularSHOCKULAR
Rated 05 Mar 2024
75
57th
Solid but rather formulaic biopic about Fred Hampton's life and assassination by the FBI. I liked that it didn't totally sugar coat the Panthers or their activities, but it contextualizes their violence and films like this go a long way toward balancing the historical narrative around the group, showing the unambiguously good sides of the organization as well. Kalugya is fantastic as Hampton.
Rated 05 Mar 2024
sadmanSadman
Rated 30 Mar 2021
80
63rd
The movie has all the right ingredients to be an angry classic but it doesn't quite get there. I believe the reason is a confused screenplay where the story is stretched too thin. None of the moving parts are fleshed out enough to coalesce into something that delivers the righteous gut punch the movie is aiming for. Kaluuya delivers a powerhouse performance but he is sadly miscast. He looks too old to play 21 year old Fred Hampton.
Rated 30 Mar 2021
ofterdingenOfterdingen
Rated 20 Apr 2021
52
37th
Mediocre straight-to-Netflix product that only stands out thanks to a few good performances.
Rated 20 Apr 2021
matthagenmatthagen
Rated 20 Jun 2022
58
68th
It's missing an element that I can't put my finger on, and it drags at times. But this is a powerful, timely, gut-punch of a film, with great performances, engaging cinematography, and a subtle, effective score.
Rated 20 Jun 2022
scuffedScuffed
Rated 15 Mar 2023
70
70th
Good performances and pretty faithful retelling. I just wish they showed more of the community organizing done by the Black Panthers.
Rated 15 Mar 2023
wwallce4prezWWallce4prez
Rated 08 Mar 2021
78
66th
Shaka King's follow up to the wonderful Shrill is gorgeously photographed and well staged. It is the two central performances, however, that steal the show. Kaluuya's fiery performance is well deserved of its praise, but I found Lakeith Stanfield's nervous energy drew my attention even more. The informant role can be tricky because it has been seen so much before, but he just nails the highs and lows so well.
Rated 08 Mar 2021
kojiKoji
Rated 12 Mar 2021
8
83rd
incredible performances, beautiful cinematography, and a great story; a fascinating and unique look at the history of modern political-socio-racial tensions
Rated 12 Mar 2021

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