The return of the Western genre but not as you know it

A Western revenge story? Yes, that’s how you can describe The Harder They Fall in a nutshell. As a child, Nat Love watched his parents getting murdered by Rufus Buck (Idris Elba), and now, so many years later, he (Jonathan Majors) is looking for the person who killed his parents. Together with his Nat Love Gang, which includes gangmates Bill Pickett (Edi Gathegi) and Jim Beckworth (RC Cyler) and love interest, Stagecoach Mary (Zazie Beetz), he’s out for revenge. After hearing that Buck escaped from prison, their thirst for revenge get even bigger.

However, it won’t be that easy to kill one of the most ruthless killers, especially not when he’s surrounded by the Rufus Buck Gang. While Buck was in prison, his gang was led by Trudy Smith (Regina King) and a kind-of-spokesperson Cherokee Bill (Stanfield), and they absolutely ensured that they upheld Buck’s brutal and bloody reputation. Both gangs go head-to-head, but there can only be one victor, right? So which gang is it going to be?

What stunning on-screen and off-screen talent!

Sure, the storyline might seem a bit simple or straightforward, but writers Boaz Yakin (Aviva) and Samuel still make sure that they never fall back into the stereotypical characters. While the story itself might be fictional, the characters aren’t. At the start of the movie, you get a “These. People. Existed” warning, due to which the violence, tough times and bloodshed make an even greater impact.

It doesn’t matter how much of the story is true; when portraying real-life characters, you must work with a cast that can deliver strong, honest, genuinely-looking and captivating performances. Casting director Victoria Thomas (Django Unchained) clearly understood that assignment as she brought a top-notch cast together in this film. First of all, there’s Majors (Lovecraft Country) as Nat Love, who’s an absolute pleasure to watch! His charms, the intensity of his performance during the brutal scenes and the emotional impact he has during the more touching moments make sure that you watch the movie from start to finish.

Elba (Molly’s Game) absolutely excels in this movie as his performance is a tour-de-force in more than one way! Not only the violent and ruthless side of Buck is being heightened, but you also see that, despite having a rough exterior, Buck is also a man with human feelings. Yes, Elba’s performance is top-notch on both physical and emotional levels, and it’s not hard to see why director Samuel wanted to work with him.

It’s not only the men who deliver stunning acting performances. No, also Regina King (If Beale Street Could Talk) is phenomenal as Smith. She oozes power, and her bad-ass vibe shines through the entire movie. She can absolutely stand her ground in The Harder They Fall. Beetz (Deadpool 2) is also putting on a great performance that will absolutely leave a big impression. It’s just a shame that she doesn’t get enough screen time. That being said, when you put Beetz and King together in the same scene, you get absolute firework!

The openings scene is one of the most impressive scenes of the movie, and that’s not only because of the terrific performances. No, it’s also because of the extremely captivating and stunning cinematography by Mihai Malaimare Jr. (Jojo Rabbit). He leaves those more neutral colours behind and goes straights for eye-popping ones. The violence is right in your face, and so are the blood red and the pitch-black dark colours. Malaimare Jr certainly knows how to create a mesmerizing spectacle. 

Just as in any Western movie, music is of vital importance. However, don’t expect the traditional Western-movie music. In The Harder They Fall, it’s all about “the harder and louder” the better. You get songs from Jay-Z (who’s a producer of this movie), Ms. Lauryn Hill, Kid Cudi and Koffee. Based on those names, you know the music absolutely accompanies the film in the best way possible.

What an outstanding debut

Last month, The Harder They Fall was the openings movie of the BFI Film Festival, and it’s no surprise why. The film is made with such passion for the Western genre and edgy filmmaking, and if you combine that passion with a terrific cast and an extremely creative crew, you know that you’re in for a fantastic ride! The Harder They Fall is available on Netflix, but if you really want to get the action, the adrenaline rush and the powerful acting performance, then try and catch the movie on the big screen.

The Harder They Fall is out now on Netflix and in U.K. cinemas.

Rating: (4 / 5)

Also Read: Inclusion In The Director’s Chair: Are Female Directors Finally Breaking Through?

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Real-life events turned into a thrilling movie

To put the ‘based on real-life events’ stamp on this movie, Judas and the Black Messiah opens with archival footage of Fred Hampton (played sensationally by Kaluuya), the chairman of the Black Panther Party’s movement in Illinois and the founder of the Rainbow Coalition. Hampton has ties with multiple groups fighting against black people’s oppression and therefore he’s on the FBI to-watch list.

Because FBI director J. Edgar Hoover (Martin Sheen) wants to uphold white supremacy, the Black Panther movement and Hoover’s agents clash on multiple occasions. To find out what’s going on inside the Black Panther movement, FBI agent Roy Mitchell (Jesse Plemons) recruits Bill O’Neal (LaKeith Stanfield) and plant him successfully within the Black Panther Party. As the head of security, O’Neils has the full trust of Hampton and is the perfect pion for the FBI. However, when that trustworthy bond is being put on the line, things take a different and deadlier turn.

The performances are what keep this movie going

The reason or better said reasons why you need to watch this movie, are the stunning performances. Kaluuya (Get Out, Queen & Slim) embodies Hampton perfectly! Whether it’s as the loyal friend and brother during the battle or as the Black Panther community’s determined leader, Kaluuya knows his character from the inside-out. The “I am a Revolutionary” speech scene is one of the most impressive, emotional and hypnotizing scenes you will see this year. It would come as no surprise if Kaluuya would receive an Oscar nomination (and possible the Oscar itself as well).

On the same high-standard level, we see Stanfield (Knives Out, Uncut Gems) as O’Neal, the guy who has to report to the enemy what his people do every day. You should detest and hate O’Neal because of his betrayal, but instead, you feel, sympathize and even connect with him. This is due to Stanfield multi-layered, emotional and on-point performance.

Not only the leading performances are captivating, but also the supporting ones are certainly doing the trick. You might not have heard of Dominique Fishback (The Hate U Give, Project Power), who’s portraying Hampton’s partner Deborah Johnson. However, we’re pretty sure you will follow this great actress from close-by after seeing Judas and the Black Messiah. This is because of her vulnerable, touching and mature acting. Plemons (The Irishman, Vice) brings many layers and complexity to his character, one that could have fallen flat if not performed well.

While the acting performances are great, but the characters themselves aren’t as compelling as they could have been. Therefore the story and the legacy of the Black Panthers don’t reach their full potential. That being said, the last half of the film is extremely exhilarating and fast-paced. The beginning seems a bit slow and confusing, but the end certainly makes up for that.

Big impact on society and on the award ceremonies

Because of the current climate, Judas and the Black Messiah won’t have a cinematic run, you can still watch it via the comfort of your home. You should take that chance. Just don’t expect one of those ‘just made for Hollywood’ biopics. Instead, you will get a rough, unpolished and straight to the point movie. While the start makes you wonder whether you’ve made the right decision by putting on this film, the remarkable performances and the thrilling overall vibe convince you that Judas and the Black Messiah was worth watching after all.

You can watch “Judas and the Black Messiah” via video-on-demand from the 11th of March.

Rating: (4 / 5)

Also Read: Queen & Slim (Review)

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