I want to separate the performance of Mr Smith from the message Spike Lee seems to be trying to leave us with. The performance was incredible. Mr Greens mannerisms and speed talking are masterful.
I was mesmerized by the content until I refreshed my memory of Mr Newton. OK - the breakfast programs the Panthers started were great (other than the propaganda one had to endure to use their services). Clearly, police and societies treatment of Blacks have improved only so much over the years. One doesn't need to be more than minimally aware to agree that initially the Panthers had some good ideas. However, Huey wasn't the innocent Smith is spouting. Yes, we see some of the drug-addled moments and incoherent babbling. But when he says he's innocent, this goes way too far.
Smith (Newton) says he was never convicted, but what about the witnesses killed and/or intimidated into not cooperating? I believe he's guilty fat least 3 murder, lot's of assaults, including of women, etc. He conveniently didn't add that Newton pled guilty to stealing Panther funds. Lee's building up a bad man because he did some good does history a disservice.
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