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Wattstax

Play trailer Poster for Wattstax R 1973 1h 38m Documentary Music Play Trailer Watchlist
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90% Tomatometer 40 Reviews 89% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
In 1972 at the Los Angeles Coliseum, director Mel Stuart captures the performances of the Watts Summer Festival. Organized by Stax Records, the festival is a gathering of musicians and entertainers from the black community, brought together to remember the Watts Riots from seven years prior. Key performances include those of comedian Richard Pryor, and singers Isaac Hayes and Luther Ingram. Stuart also presents shots of the Watts streets and community along with the festival footage.
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Wattstax

Wattstax

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Critics Consensus

From the stage to the street, Wattstax brilliantly captures a musical moment -- and a poignantly passionate response to painful social upheaval.

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Critics Reviews

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Ann Guarino New York Daily News All [the performers] draw lively reactions from the crowd who get to chant, "I am somebody." And isn't that all what we want to be? Rated: 3/4 Dec 18, 2020 Full Review Gene Siskel Chicago Tribune It is a fine documentary in that it does, better than any popular music film with the possible exception of Woodstock, document a group of people, their music, how it came to be, and why they like it. Dec 18, 2020 Full Review Dennis Hunt Los Angeles Times This is a fragmented, skittery film that does not have enough moments of interest and hilarity to offset the stretches of boredom. Dec 18, 2020 Full Review Dennis Harvey 48 Hills It’s a memorable display of African-American pride—and extravagant 1970s sartorial style—that also makes room for such leading Black cultural figures of the moment as Richard Pryor, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Ossie Davis & Ruby Dee and Melvin Van Peeble... Feb 27, 2023 Full Review Candice Russell Miami Herald Simply as a means of recording the fruition of hope among a centuries-maligned minority Wattstax can stand proud. Dec 18, 2020 Full Review Philip Elwood San Francisco Examiner Wattstax is always moving from the Coliseum stage to restaurant and barber shop comments; from street and alley scenes to night club episodes and church fronts and what goes on inside. Dec 18, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Devon B This by far has to be one of my all time favorites Whenever someone mentions Woodstock I'm going to throw this one in the mix. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/26/24 Full Review delysid d Black people of america, I Love You Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/11/18 Full Review Audience Member Conjugando imagens de um lendário festival da Stax com testemunhos espirituosos de afro-americanos em luta pela sua própria expressão, "Wattstax" é geralmente animado e interessante enquanto documento de um momento sociocultural decisivo dos anos 70. Mas é a actuação de Rufus Thomas que vence o filme e garante que pelo menos 10 dos seus minutos sejam inesquecíveis. Johnnie Taylor e Little Milton são também nomes a reter depois de ver "Wattstax". Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/24/23 Full Review Audience Member The black "Woodstock". Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/04/23 Full Review Audience Member i bought this at the stax museum as a souvenir. not the greatest concert movie ever but an amazing time capsule centered around the "stax woodstock" in 1972. the visuals are amazing. jesse jackson in a dashiki. rufus thomas in a pink leisure suit (shorts not pants). isaac hayes in a vest of gold chains. the bar-kays' white afro guy. also, if you ever listened to public enemy, you'll know know the source for a TON of samples they appropriated. check it out. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/12/23 Full Review Audience Member Watching this is like opening a wonderful, picturesque time capsule filled with the urban sights and sounds of the '70s. A must see for families to watch and discuss a time when people took pride in community before modern hip-hop stole hearts and minds. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/03/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Wattstax

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Cast & Crew

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Mel Stuart

Director

James Alexander

Actor

Raymond Allen

Actor

Isaac Hayes

Actor

Luther Ingram

Actor

Jesse Jackson

Actor

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Wattstax

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Movie Info

Synopsis In 1972 at the Los Angeles Coliseum, director Mel Stuart captures the performances of the Watts Summer Festival. Organized by Stax Records, the festival is a gathering of musicians and entertainers from the black community, brought together to remember the Watts Riots from seven years prior. Key performances include those of comedian Richard Pryor, and singers Isaac Hayes and Luther Ingram. Stuart also presents shots of the Watts streets and community along with the festival footage.
Director
Mel Stuart
Producer
Mel Stuart, Larry Shaw
Distributor
Columbia Pictures
Production Co
Stax Records, Wolper Productions
Rating
R
Genre
Documentary, Music
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Feb 4, 1973, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Feb 18, 2016
Runtime
1h 38m
Sound Mix
Mono
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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