6.9/10
17,236
81 user 35 critic

Dead Presidents (1995)

R | | Action, Crime, Drama | 6 October 1995 (USA)
Dead Presidents Poster
A Vietnam vet adjusts to life after the war while trying to support his family, but the chance of a better life may involve crime and bloodshed.

Directors:

(as The Hughes Brothers), (as The Hughes Brothers)

Writers:

(story), (story) | 3 more credits »

Stars:

, , | See full cast & crew »
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ON DISC
2 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
... Anthony Curtis
... Kirby
... Skip
... Jose
... Juanita Benson
... Delilah Benson
Alvaleta Guess ... Mrs. Benson
... Mr. Curtis
... Mrs. Curtis
... Cutty
... Marisol
... Cowboy (as Terrence Dashon Howard)
Ryan Williams ... Young Revolutionary
Larry McCoy ... Nicky
Rodney Winfield ... Mr. Warren
See full cast »
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Storyline

This action film, directed by the Hughes brothers, depicts a heist of old bills, retired from circulation and destined by the government to be "money to burn." However, more broadly, it addresses the issues of Black Americans' involvement in the Vietnam War and their subsequent disillusionment with progress in social issues and civil rights back home in the United States, during the 1960's. Written by Tad Dibbern <DIBBERN_D@a1.mscf.upenn.edu>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

vietnam war | 1960s | black panthers | new york city | black militant | See All (308) »

Taglines:

They'll risk everything for the ultimate score. See more »

Genres:

Action | Crime | Drama | Thriller | War

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong graphic violence, language, a sex scene and some drug use | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

6 October 1995 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Alta Jogada  »

Filming Locations:

 »
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Box Office

Budget:

$10,000,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$24,200,000
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Production Co:

, ,  »
Show more on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

(Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Isaiah Washington (Andrew Curtis), Michael Imperioli (D'ambrosio) & Sticky Fingaz (Martin) all worked together on the Spike Lee film Clockers (1995) See more »

Goofs

Cowboy and Anthony are shooting pool. Cowboy leans over the table to shoot and the 2-ball is clearly sitting in front of the side pocket. After Cowboy misses his shot, the view widens and the 2-ball is seen rolling to the middle of the table. See more »

Quotes

[Cleon randomly decapitates a dead Vietnamese soldier with his machete]
Skip: Oh man, Cleon what the fuck?
See more »

Connections

Spoofed in Kevin Hart: Laugh at My Pain (2011) See more »

Soundtracks

Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up
Written and Performed by Barry White
Courtesy of Mercury Records
By Arrangement With Polygram Special Markets
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the differences between the R-Rated Ending and the Laserdisc Ending by Criterion?
See more »

User Reviews

delivers big for the right fans
14 September 2002 | by – See all my reviews

Gripping, poignant story about a young black man growing up in the 1960s Bronx whose parents groom him to follow in the footsteps of his college grad older brother. He has his own plans however, and enlists in the Marine Corps where he survives four years of brutal warfare in Vietnam. He returns home to try and make a new life for himself, but a struggling economy and lack of formal education gradually draw him into a life of crime. An effective portrayal of black involvement in Vietnam, with good performances, powerful scenes, and shockingly graphic violence. Tate is commanding in the lead, and Tucker a real surprise as his drug-addicted pal. Not for all tastes, but well-crafted and well-made. ***
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