Panther (I) (1995)

A dramatized account of the story of The Black Panther Party of Self-Defense.

Director:

Mario Van Peebles

Writers:

Melvin Van Peebles (novel), Melvin Van Peebles (screenplay)

Stars:

Kadeem Hardison, Bokeem Woodbine, Joe Don Baker

2 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kadeem Hardison	...	Judge
Bokeem Woodbine	...	Tyrone
Joe Don Baker	...	Brimmer
Courtney B. Vance	...	Bobby Seale
Tyrin Turner	...	Cy
Marcus Chong	...	Huey Newton
Anthony Griffith	...	Eldridge Cleaver
Bobby Brown	...	Rose
Angela Bassett	...	Dr. Betty Shabazz
Nefertiti	...	Alma
James Russo	...	Rodgers
Jenifer Lewis	...	Rita
Chris Rock	...	Yuck Mouth
Roger Guenveur Smith	...	Pruitt
Michael Wincott	...	Tynan

Storyline

Panther is a semi-historic film about the origins of The Black Panther Party for Self-Defense. The movie spans about 3 years (1966-68) of the Black Panther's history in Oakland. Panther also uses historical footage (B/W) to emphasize some points.

---

Plot Keywords:

traffic accident | fbi | fbi chief | police brutality | one word title | 

---

Taglines:

The People Called Them Heroes. The F.B.I. Called Them Public Enemy Number One.

---

Genres:

Drama

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong violence and language

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 May 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

A fekete párduc

Filming Locations:

USA

Box Office

Gross:

$6,834,525 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Gramercy Pictures (I), MVP Films, Polygram Filmed Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

124 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Black and White Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Roger Guenveur Smith, who plays Pruitt, also played Huey Newton in A Huey P. Newton Story, meaning he has played characters at the birth and death of the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense.

---

Goofs

At the school, when they are rallying for more members.

---

Quotes

Bobby Seale: We not anti-white, we anti-oppression! You can't fight racism with racism.

---

Connections

Referenced in Classified X (1998)

---

Soundtracks

"I Got You (I Feel Good)"
Performed by James Brown

User Reviews

Mario Van Peebles, director and writer.

Panther (1995) is not to meant to be a dead on account of the Black Panther Party. This is what they call historical fiction. That is when you make up a story involving real life characters. The book this movie was based upon was writing a few years back by Melvin Van Peebles. The story is nothing more that a fictional account dealing with real life people.

It's a movie. Not a documentary. So please keep this in mind when watching it. But the dramatic elements and acting were quite good. I enjoyed it as a drama. If you want to learn about the Black Panther Party this is a good launching pad. From here I suggest you go to your local library and study up on these revolutionaries who tried to make some decent changes to the poor communities but were sabotaged by the F.B.I. and their army of rats and snitches.

I thought it was a bold step for Mr. Van Peebles to try and make a mainstream movie about a group of local heroes who have been buried by the mainstream and the far right. Stars Kadeem Hardison, Bokeem Woodbine, Joe Don Baker, Courtney B. Vance, Chris Rock, Bobby Brown and Angela Bassett. Directed by Mario Van Peebles. Co written by Mario and Melvin Van Peebles.

Recommended.