This movie was quite well made. I have read about Fred Hampton before, but the absolute terror of the FBI upon his life was really made clear by this film. Daniel Kaluuya emulated the necessary leadership and charisma to portray Hampton. My only issue with his casting is that he is in his thirties, while Fred Hampton died at age 21. I think this is really crucial to the story- his assassination at such a young age is not a minor detail. I do appreciate that Akua Njeri (known at the time of the film as Deborah Johnson) and Fred Hampton Jr. were consulted for this film, and I think that is clear. While Bill O'Neal takes the forefront as a double agent, Fred Hampton's character is still highlighted and preserved. The ending was absolutely devastating, particularly the choice to include footage of the real Bill O'Neal. I think this film launches an important conversation about being complicit vs. actively harming someone, especially in the context of the Black Power movement. I also think it's important for people to learn about the FBI's assassination of Black Panthers, something which isn't typically taught in history classes.
Review of Judas and the Black Messiah
