Panther (1995)

Panther is a 1995, British-American film. It is based on the novel of the same title by the late Melvin Van Peebles and is a semi-fictionalization of how the Black Panther party was conceived. Co-production was by Gramercy Pictures, PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, MVP Films, Tribeca Productions, and Working Title Films.

Plot
Following a tragic incident involving a neighborhood black boy and an unsuccessfully peaceful protest, a Vietnam vet named Judge (Kadeem Hardison) returns home to Oakland to find it in chaos caused by both sides of American black civilians and the police. To combat the discrimination against the blacks, Judge's friend, Cy (Tyrin Turner) tells him about the new organization that he and several others are forming. But then Judge is caught in the middle, as he has to choose whether to be on their side or the side of the police so that he can act as a informant for the latter.

Why It Rocks

 * 1) Although it may not be entirely accurate, it is still gives off a very realistic, significant look at how the Black Panthers came to the forefront for equality following the Civil Rights Movement.
 * 2) An all-star, predominantly black cast, including Kadeem Hardison, Angela Bassett, Bokeem Woodbine, Courtney B. Vance, Tyrin Turner, Chris Rock, Marcus Chong, and Bobby Brown, among others.
 * 3) The portrayals of the actors' characters are well-performed and authentic.
 * 4) This is mainly a drama, but there still are some funny moments here and there to go along with the serious ones, such as the scenes with the boy-on-bike and Bernadette in the opening credits.
 * 5) The writing manages to balance out the parts of the story that are true and others that aren't without one side veering too far apart from the other.
 * 6) Some gripping dialogue, both frivolous and serious.
 * 7) Just as gripping is that pertaining to the action scenes and sequences.
 * 8) Outstanding soundtrack, most notably the theme song, "Freedom", which also featured many female hip-hop, pop, and R&B/urban music artists, and groups, of the time, including Mary J. Blige, Vanessa L. Williams, En Vogue, the late Aaliyah, M.C. Lyte, TLC, SWV, and Monica, among others. The song is a cover of neo-soul pioneer Joi's song of the same title, both versions co-produced by Dallas Austin and Diamond D. This may be considered the highlight and one of the finest moments of not just this movie, but also generally in cinematic/soundtrack history.
 * 9) It makes for great teaching material for history class.
 * 10) Because of the racial tensions that have been taking place in the U.S. once again, this remains just as relevant as ever.

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