Search
Search results
LE
Long-Term Ecological Research: Changing the Nature of Scientists
Michael R. Willig and Lawrence R. Walker
Book
The Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) Program is, in a sense, an experiment to transform the...
Shield of the Rising Sun (Path of Nemesis #3)
9.0
Rate It
Book
The perfect next series for fans of Bernard Cornwell and Simon Scarrow War still rages at the...
Roman Empire Marcus Aurelius Commodus
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Judas and the Black Messiah (2021) in Movies
Feb 2, 2021
Racism has all too often reared its ugly head in recent years with the rise of extremist groups who felt emboldened by recent political climates. As violence leads to protests which can themselves become violent; the perpetual cycle seems unending.
In the new film “Judas and the Black Messiah”, audiences are told the real-life story of Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya) who runs a local chapter of The Black Panthers in Illinois in the 1960s.
The rise of what is perceived as militant groups in the wake of the killings of Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King has caused increased police and Federal actions which have caused many in Hampton’s community to feel they are at war with the authorities and fighting for their very survival against a system of injustice and systemic racism.
When car thief William O’Neal is arrested, FBI agent Roy Mitchell (Jesse Plemons); offers O’Neal a chance to avoid prison and earn some money by becoming an informant. Despite his reservations; O’Neal works his way into Hampton’s inner circle and develops a friendship with the man as he learns of his plans to unify the various factions in their communities.
O’Neal sees how there is more to the Black Panthers as they feed, educate, and assist members of their community and work to contain more extreme elements that look to make statements through bombings and extreme actions.
The threat posed by Hampton draws the attention of FBI Director J Edgar Hoover (Martin Sheen), and plans are developed to take down Hampton and his organization which in turn puts even more pressure on Mitchell and O’Neal.
The movie is a gripping, disturbing, and sure to be controversial look into the lives of the key figures as well as the ongoing debates on racial injustice, police violence, hate groups, and violence in the community.
Director Shaka King attempts to find a balance in the film as there are moments where party members draw their weapons against the police and kill wounded officers. There are also numerous scenes where police beat and shoot unarmed individuals or use excessive force which underscores Hampton’s stance that his community is at war and this is a life or death struggle.
The last time I was so disturbed by a film of this genre was “Detroit” which shocked me with the horrific true crimes that were portrayed and how those involved escaped justice. I thought if as a Caucasian I could be so disturbed and disgusted by the terrifying events portrayed in the film; then they would be truly the stuff of nightmares for people of color.
The cast is very strong and gives memorable performances that show the complexity of their characters. They are not simply a militant and a snitch, but rather complex individuals trying to survive.
“Judas and the Black Messiah” is a very well-crafted film that is equally informative and disturbing and does what good cinema does best; educate, entertain, and inform.
4.5 stars out of 5
In the new film “Judas and the Black Messiah”, audiences are told the real-life story of Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya) who runs a local chapter of The Black Panthers in Illinois in the 1960s.
The rise of what is perceived as militant groups in the wake of the killings of Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King has caused increased police and Federal actions which have caused many in Hampton’s community to feel they are at war with the authorities and fighting for their very survival against a system of injustice and systemic racism.
When car thief William O’Neal is arrested, FBI agent Roy Mitchell (Jesse Plemons); offers O’Neal a chance to avoid prison and earn some money by becoming an informant. Despite his reservations; O’Neal works his way into Hampton’s inner circle and develops a friendship with the man as he learns of his plans to unify the various factions in their communities.
O’Neal sees how there is more to the Black Panthers as they feed, educate, and assist members of their community and work to contain more extreme elements that look to make statements through bombings and extreme actions.
The threat posed by Hampton draws the attention of FBI Director J Edgar Hoover (Martin Sheen), and plans are developed to take down Hampton and his organization which in turn puts even more pressure on Mitchell and O’Neal.
The movie is a gripping, disturbing, and sure to be controversial look into the lives of the key figures as well as the ongoing debates on racial injustice, police violence, hate groups, and violence in the community.
Director Shaka King attempts to find a balance in the film as there are moments where party members draw their weapons against the police and kill wounded officers. There are also numerous scenes where police beat and shoot unarmed individuals or use excessive force which underscores Hampton’s stance that his community is at war and this is a life or death struggle.
The last time I was so disturbed by a film of this genre was “Detroit” which shocked me with the horrific true crimes that were portrayed and how those involved escaped justice. I thought if as a Caucasian I could be so disturbed and disgusted by the terrifying events portrayed in the film; then they would be truly the stuff of nightmares for people of color.
The cast is very strong and gives memorable performances that show the complexity of their characters. They are not simply a militant and a snitch, but rather complex individuals trying to survive.
“Judas and the Black Messiah” is a very well-crafted film that is equally informative and disturbing and does what good cinema does best; educate, entertain, and inform.
4.5 stars out of 5
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Casting JonBenet (2017) in Movies
Aug 27, 2017
Beautifully shot but no way as good as other true crime documentaries
Netflix is an absolute master when it comes to true crime documentaries. However, unlike Making a Murderer and The Keepers, this is a standalone film and it does not explore the crime in detail. As a result it falls short in comparison to the others.
The film is about the notorious 1996 case of a six year old beauty pageant participant, JonBenet Ramsey, who was found dead in her own house even though her family said she had been kidnapped.
One of the most important things about this documentary in particular is the fact that it is completely in the perspective of random people who have no connection really with the crime itself. Instead by creating a fake film about this true crime, they reveal the actors' own perceptions and prejudices against the case and against the people involved.
It is also vital to notice while the other documentaries were created to raise awareness and educate the public about levels of corruption in society and institutions - this seemingly does nothing but instead actually is a bit of a mockery towards the young victim of this crime. The actors throw out wild theories instead, and so you know little about what actually happened.
On the upside it is shot absolutely beautifully, so it looks like an art film. A bit disappointing really.
The film is about the notorious 1996 case of a six year old beauty pageant participant, JonBenet Ramsey, who was found dead in her own house even though her family said she had been kidnapped.
One of the most important things about this documentary in particular is the fact that it is completely in the perspective of random people who have no connection really with the crime itself. Instead by creating a fake film about this true crime, they reveal the actors' own perceptions and prejudices against the case and against the people involved.
It is also vital to notice while the other documentaries were created to raise awareness and educate the public about levels of corruption in society and institutions - this seemingly does nothing but instead actually is a bit of a mockery towards the young victim of this crime. The actors throw out wild theories instead, and so you know little about what actually happened.
On the upside it is shot absolutely beautifully, so it looks like an art film. A bit disappointing really.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated The Suitable Woman - Single by Layla Kardan in Music
Jun 17, 2019
Layla Kardan is an Iranian-rooted pop star living in the United Arab Emirates. Arwa Al Banawi is one of Saudi Arabia’s most exciting and upcoming fashion designers. Not too long ago, they collaborated on a music video for Kardan’s “The Suitable Woman” single.
“‘The Suitable Woman’ is the slogan of my label and celebrates the woman on the go. Also, a woman who fights for her beliefs and proactively chases her dreams to realize her fullest potential.” – Arwa Al Banawi
Layla Kardan is focused on changing the perception of a woman’s role in society and pushing for gender equality. Also, her aim is to educate both Middle Eastern and Western audiences.
Collaborating with production company D Journal, the pair have produced a fashion-forward, edgy video. The audiovisual features some of the region’s biggest fashion influencers such as Rania Fawaz, Zeynab El Helw, Jory Al Maiman, and Tamara Al Gabbani.
“Arwa’s brand is all about being a bold and expressive woman who is not hindered by fear or limitations. These are women who pursue the things they are passionate about despite the challenges and persevere to see their dreams become a reality. Also, they are not deterred by the social expectations from them.”
The likable tune contains a relatable storyline and smoky soul vocals. Also, the song possesses mellow instrumentation scented with a contemporary R&B fragrance.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/layla-kardan-the-suitable-woman/
“‘The Suitable Woman’ is the slogan of my label and celebrates the woman on the go. Also, a woman who fights for her beliefs and proactively chases her dreams to realize her fullest potential.” – Arwa Al Banawi
Layla Kardan is focused on changing the perception of a woman’s role in society and pushing for gender equality. Also, her aim is to educate both Middle Eastern and Western audiences.
Collaborating with production company D Journal, the pair have produced a fashion-forward, edgy video. The audiovisual features some of the region’s biggest fashion influencers such as Rania Fawaz, Zeynab El Helw, Jory Al Maiman, and Tamara Al Gabbani.
“Arwa’s brand is all about being a bold and expressive woman who is not hindered by fear or limitations. These are women who pursue the things they are passionate about despite the challenges and persevere to see their dreams become a reality. Also, they are not deterred by the social expectations from them.”
The likable tune contains a relatable storyline and smoky soul vocals. Also, the song possesses mellow instrumentation scented with a contemporary R&B fragrance.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/layla-kardan-the-suitable-woman/
Redeemable: A Memoir of Darkness and Hope
Book
Born in Somerset in 1957 to itinerant Scottish parents, Erwin James lost his mother when he was...
I'm Not a Celebrity, I am a Muslim: One Woman's Journey to a World of Faith
Book
There are many stories waiting to be told, but it seems that in our financially motivated...
The Bubble Hour
Podcast
The Bubble Hour is hosted by Jean M., a sober woman dedicated to breaking down the walls of stigma...
Kids in the Wild Garden
Book
Designed to get kids away from the TV and to get their hands dirty, Kids in the Wild Garden...