An exceptionally vital piece of popular myth-making, PANTHER attempts to reclaim the Black Panther Party for contemporary youth, crossing history with the conventions of '70s blaxploitation. It's directed by Mario Van Peebles and written by his father, Melvin Van Peebles, who
practically invented the blaxploitation genre with SWEET SWEETBACK'S BADASSSSS SONG (1971). Until the final 15 minutes, when its political message is undermined by drug paranoia, it's one of the most refreshingly radical major releases of this or any other year.
Released:
1995
Rated:
R
Length:
125 mins