A Huey P. Newton Story

TV-14

2001

1h 28m

Biography

List

100%

Tomatometer

9 Reviews

85%

Audience Score

1,000+ Ratings

A radical (Roger Guenveur Smith) from Oakland, Calif., establishes the Black Panther Party based on his 10-point program for social reform.

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Anita Gates

New York Times

The production doesn't resolve the paradoxes in Newton's life, but it does give viewers some idea of what it might have been like to be inside his head.

Jun 9, 2020

Full Review

Allan Johnson

Chicago Tribune

By bringing Newton alive, Smith opens the door for further exploration of this colorful, insightful figure.

Jun 9, 2020

Full Review

Mark Sachs

Los Angeles Times

The anger and frustration toward racial injustice that fuels Newton's tears and tirades are framed beautifully by director Lee.

Jun 9, 2020

Full Review

Jeffrey M. Anderson

Combustible Celluloid

The film represents a new triumph for Lee, one that comes closer to Do the Right Thing than nearly anything else in his career.

Rated: 3.5/4

May 26, 2006

Full Review

Moira Sullivan

FilmFestivals.com

The film is one long monologue of Huey's inner mind , culminating in a riveting shadow boxing dance by Smith, who then sits down for the final end.

Rated: A-

Aug 1, 2003

Full Review

Troy Lambert

TV Guide

Roger Guenveur Smith taps in deep as Huey Newton, blazing through this mesmerizing performance piece based on the still-controversial life of one of the founders of the Black Panther Party.

Rated: 4.5/5

Jul 30, 2003

Full Review

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Audience Member

Almost torture having to sit and listen to one guy barely speak audibly while smoking. I've seen two other movies on this subject that are so much better. If Spike Lee wasn't part of this movie it'd have terrible reviews accross the board.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

02/19/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Very good. Captivating. Creative.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/03/23

Full Review

Audience Member

good bio/historical picture

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

Full Review

Audience Member

A portrayal of Newton before a crowd pushing his beliefs and politics. It was intriguing to learn some of his view points. He had some interesting quotes and one of my favorites was "When you die everybody wants to bring you flowers, but what about when I'm alive and nobody wants to bring me soup." This is a must see...

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/16/23

Full Review

Audience Member

It's a really impressive solo performance that seems to capture the essence of Newton.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/18/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Robert Guinevere Smith's depiction of the tormented & ingenious Huey P. Newton is astonishing. His haunting portrayal is at the caliber of Philip Seymour Hoffman's performance in 'Capote'. If you're unaware of Mr. Newton I'd advise reading information on the Black Panther Party prior to viewing. With no previous knowledge of the Party and it's history & impact, a lot might be lost. Easily a 5-star film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/24/23

Full Review

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Spike Lee

Director

Roger Guenveur Smith

Huey P. Newton

Steven Adams

Producer

Spike Lee

Producer

Marc Anthony Thompson

Original Music

Ellen Kuras

Cinematographer

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Synopsis

A radical (Roger Guenveur Smith) from Oakland, Calif., establishes the Black Panther Party based on his 10-point program for social reform.

Director: Spike Lee
Producer: Steven Adams, Spike Lee
Production Co: Miramax
Rating: TV-14
Genre: Biography
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 30, 2016
Runtime: 1h 28m