Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson

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01/19/2020 One the best biographical documentaries I have seen. The depiction of Jack Johnson's life portrays one magnetizing human being. The documentary takes us through the context of the times, the atmosphere and the mores of that era, and one great soul that simply cannot be defined by his externalities. See more 03/06/2019 Another Ken Burns' PBS Home Video. The greatest heavyweight boxer in American history...Jack Johnson. Confident, smiling and proud, Jack Johnson rose from oblivion to fight his way to the top of the boxing profession in the early 1900's. During a time of extreme bigotry and strict social rules, Johnson dared to be not just a black person, but a MAN. He lived hard and fast, dated and married white women, and became known as a "sport" because of his debonair clothing and manner. And he looked white men in the eye as an equal (NOT allowed at that time). Raw hatred by the "white race" against a black "animal" who dared to think himself equal to or even better than them! See more 03/06/2019 An amazing documentary about a complicated American. Further evidence that the more things change, the more they stay the same. See more 03/06/2019 A great historical documentary on boxing, black history and American culture through the larger than life figure Jack Johnson. http://youtu.be/Ex1TX2Vp3pQ See more 03/06/2019 David is the perfect narrator and Jackson is amazing as Johnson. A true hero for boxers, an idol for hedonists and a pioneer of conspicuous consumption and reckless driving. All the more remarkable for doing what he liked a century ago. The amount of racism back then is RIDICULOUS. It's hard to imagine the world before World War 1. The first movie shown at the White House was Birth of a Nation!? Ooooo... He really shouldn't have fought the younger, taller opponent. Strangely it doesn't mention the wrench patent he got while in prison. 3.5 hours was longer than necessary. See more 03/06/2019 The 2nd half drags a bit but the first half is so intriguing and there are great spots throughout. As usual Ken Burns is gold. See more Read all reviews

Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson

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