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.
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Title: Dead Presidents (1995)
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2 nominations.
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Larenz Tate | ... | Anthony Curtis | |
| Keith David | ... | Kirby | |
| Chris Tucker | ... | Skip | |
| Freddy Rodríguez | ... | Jose | |
| Rose Jackson | ... | Juanita Benson | |
| N'Bushe Wright | ... | Delilah Benson | |
 |
Alvaleta Guess | ... | Mrs. Benson |
| James Pickens Jr. | ... | Mr. Curtis | |
| Jenifer Lewis | ... | Mrs. Curtis | |
| Clifton Powell | ... | Cutty | |
| Elizabeth Rodriguez | ... | Marisol | |
| Terrence Howard | ... | Cowboy (as Terrence Dashon Howard) | |
|
|
Ryan Williams | ... | Young Revolutionary |
|
|
Larry McCoy | ... | Nicky |
|
|
Rodney Winfield | ... | Mr. Warren |
Edit
Plot Summary
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Plot Synopsis
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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 Keywords:
vietnam war | 1960s | black panthers | new york city | black militant |Taglines:
In this daring heist, the only color that counts is green See more »Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated R for strong graphic violence, language, a sex scene and some drug use | See all certifications »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
6 October 1995 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Dead Presidents See more »Edit
Box Office
Budget:
$10,000,000 (estimated)Opening Weekend USA:
$7,943,778, 8 October 1995Gross USA:
$24,147,179Cumulative Worldwide Gross:
$24,147,179Company Credits
Show more on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
Dolby DigitalColor:
Color (Technicolor)Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1
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Written by Marvin Gaye & James Nyx
Performed by Marvin Gaye
Courtesy of Motown Record Company, L.P.
By Arrangement With Polygram Special Markets
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
Both Larenz Tate & Chris Tucker's characters are hail from The Bronx and end up fighting in the Vietnam war. In Apocalypse Now (1979) Laurence Fishburne's character was also from The Bronx, there's even an Apocalypse Now moment as the sun is shinning behind a flying chopper. See more »Goofs
When Cutty stands over Anthony and holds a pistol to his head, the hammer isn't cocked. Cutty had just drawn the semi-automatic pistol from beneath his jacket and racked the slide on his way down the stairs to confront Anthony, so the pistol's hammer should have been cocked at this point. See more »Quotes
Delilah Benson: [Delilah saying to Anthony after he returns from the war] It's not your fault you've been brainwashed by America.See more »
Alternate Versions
Criterion Laserdisc also famously had a rather graphic unrated version of the armored car robbery scene near the end, apparently the original version nearly got the movie the NC-17 and it was cut down. See more »Connections
Referenced in Cult Legends and Rising Stars: Cult Legends: Bokeem Woodbine (2016) See more »Soundtracks
What's Happening BrotherWritten by Marvin Gaye & James Nyx
Performed by Marvin Gaye
Courtesy of Motown Record Company, L.P.
By Arrangement With Polygram Special Markets
See more »
Frequently Asked Questions
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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. ***