Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song

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Camila H Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song is really a groundbreaking and proactive film, explores the themes of racial injustice, police brutality, sexuality, and liberation. What particularly makes this film very impactful is the pioneering status in the black blaxploitation era and its influence of subsequent black cinema, the films, raw energy, and rebellious tone really pushed through taboos of its time. Overall, Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song is a bold central piece of cinema that challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truth while celebrating black resilience. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 10/06/25 Full Review Alex C This movie really threw me off guard at times with the camerawork, visuals, and as to was going on in general. The story wasn't my favorite, but I do enjoy the history behind the film. Being a groundbreaking film that redefined what black cinema could be, one thing I liked was its experimental style and theme. The film gets intense and gritty at times in order to gets its message across, but I wouldn't recommend this to others who aren't into this type of films. Rated 1.5/5 Stars •  Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 09/25/25 Full Review Abigail C Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song is a bold and groundbreaking film that changed the way stories about Black life were told in cinema. Directed by Melvin Van Peebles, this 1971 movie is raw, powerful, and unapologetically daring. The story follows Sweetback, a Black man who fights back against injustice and police brutality. The film is intense and energetic, mixing drama with moments of humor and music that capture the spirit of the time. Its style is rough around the edges, but that only adds to its authenticity and impact. What makes this film special is its courage to show a Black hero who refuses to be a victim, inspiring generations of filmmakers and audiences alike. It’s not just a movie; it’s a statement—a revolutionary shout for freedom and respect. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/24/25 Full Review Cindy D This film was not really good to watch as it felt bizarre and disturbing, especially in the very beginning as we see a child and an older woman having intercourse. While the historical background is significant as it can make us understand what was happening in this time period, the editing and cinematography was an odd choice, if anything the soundtrack kept it flowing somehow, but definitely not something I could recommend other people to watch as it could've been done differently while getting the message out to the audience. Rated 1/5 Stars •  Rated 1 out of 5 stars 09/17/25 Full Review Cailei P Sweetback himself is not a traditional “hero.” He is quiet, brooding, and far from perfect, but his escape from the police becomes an act of rebellion that resonated deeply with Black audiences of the time. The film’s final message, “A Baadasssss Song,” insists that Sweetback “got away,” turning his survival into a symbol of empowerment. Although it is a bit confusing for some viewers and will make you ask yourself "What the hell am I watching?" I do think it is worth a watch. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 09/13/25 Full Review Angela C For its time and historical reasons I think the movie is good, however I was not a big fan, mostly due to the constant sex acts. I was immediately disturbed by the child sex scene. I think there could have been other ways to portray that he was working at a brothel at such a young age. I also think the sex acts in between the movie where he gains something from them was weird and unnecessary. But I thought the police chase plus the music choice made it seem like a cartoon chase, in a good way. Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 09/10/25 Full Review Read all reviews

Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song

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