Sweetback

At a time when most scripts portrayed African-Americans as helpless slaves or "super-Negroes" a la Sidney Poitier, "Sweetback" -- with its opening dedication, "To all the Brothers and Sisters who had enough of the Man" -- was a celebration of urban black power.

In The Name Of The Father 2008

"Ain't Supposed to Die" with the Classical Theater of Harlem, and in 2008 he made "Confessions of a Ex-Doofus-Itchy Footed Mutha," a "Sweetback" - like picaresque that some critics have praised for its gumption, if nothing else.

NYT > Home Page 2010

"Ain't Supposed to Die" with the Classical Theater of Harlem, and in 2008 he made "Confessions of a Ex-Doofus-Itchy Footed Mutha," a "Sweetback" - like picaresque that some critics have praised for its gumption, if nothing else.

NYT > Home Page 2010

Such nuance, combined with raw filmmaking reminiscent of the original movie, makes for a fascinating ride down memory lane for those who've seen "Sweetback," and a mind-blowing history lesson for those who haven't.

In The Name Of The Father 2008

Mario began his career in "Sweetback," playing his father's character as a boy in the opening sequence.

In The Name Of The Father 2008

At a time when most scripts portrayed African-Americans as helpless slaves or "super-Negroes" a la Sidney Poitier, "Sweetback" was a celebration of urban black power.

Making Sure Dad Gets His Due 2008

"'Sweetback' was the film that black audiences wanted but didn't really know they wanted," says film historian Donald Bogle.

Making Sure Dad Gets His Due 2008

"'Sweetback' was the film that black audiences wanted but didn't really know they wanted," says film historian Donald Bogle.

In The Name Of The Father 2008

Mario began his career in "Sweetback," playing his father's character as a boy in the opening sequence.

Making Sure Dad Gets His Due 2008

Such nuance, combined with raw filmmaking reminiscent of the original movie, makes for a fascinating ride down memory lane for those who've seen "Sweetback," and a mind-blowing history lesson for those who haven't.

Making Sure Dad Gets His Due 2008