Judas and the Black Messiah: The Story of the the Black Panther Party (BPP)

Table of Contents

Introduction
Main body
Conclusion
References

Introduction

Judas and the Black Messiah is a biographical drama directed by Shaka King that tells about the Black Panther Party (BPP) in the late 1960-s. The name links the events in the movie with the Bible story about the betrayal of Judas. The Black Messiah is Fred Hampton, who leads the BPPs Illinois chapter. The Judas is the William ONeal who cooperated with the FBI to assist them by reporting on Hamptons plans and actions and, later, assassinating him.

Main body

Ultimately, ONeal repented of his betrayal just as Judas did. Furthermore, the unbearable burden of the deed made ONeal commit suicide. While the FBI was fighting a far-left communist movement, the traitor was driven only by the fear of getting imprisoned and easy money. As prominent English film critic, Mark Kermode (2021), puts it, ONeal was a perfect tool to report on the party because he had no avowed political beliefs beyond self-preservation (para. 3). Indeed, salvation and financial remuneration occur to be powerful drivers to betray fellows.

Another well-known critic Peter Bradshaw (2021), calls Judas and the Black Messiah a fiercely watchable and passionately performed drama (para. 2). It is impossible to disagree with these words because the actors performance, soundtracks, and atmosphere capture the audience from the beginning of the film and keep them in suspense until the beginning of the credits. Besides, the movie is highly topical due to the rise of anti-resist movements, including Black Lives Matter.

Conclusion

To conclude, it might be argued that the film shows how white people could manipulate black ones and turn them against each other. Nonetheless, the key message of Judas and the Black Messiah lies not in the race per se but the fact of betrayal and the fear to go against the will of the rich and mighty and revealing the truth to people who trust you. This problem does not depend on race, gender, nationality, or any other factor. Instead, it is about morality and life priorities and values.