tksneffect I thought this movie really gave an insight to the black struggle in film and that Melvin and Mario are a credit to the film industry. Not only were they pioneers in the industry of indie film making, but they exuded that indelible American Spirit that you see faked out in so many other films. This film is real!!!! I also liked the persistence that came with it, this should inspire anyone with a vision or a dream to at all cost follow that dream and follow through to the very end, for the rewards are more than you can possibly imagine if you succeed in your goals. This is what great film making is all about, I implore anyone and everyone to see this movie!!!

the_crock Mario Van Peebles take a bow, not only is this a brutally honest recount of what your father went through trying to make an independent movie. But you also made this movie so damn enjoyable. I wasn't sure whether I would enjoy a movie where a son admires his father, but this was more than that, this was a warts (forcing his son to have a sex scene at 13) and all movie, that is a damning account of the film industry and director who has had enough of the racism in his job and in his country.Melvin Van Peebles was a demanding, arrogant man who let nothing get in the way of his vision, which makes him not much of a person, but a hell of an inspiration and artist. His movie which I haven't seen, is shown as a fore runner to the Blaxploitation era of Hollywood, but to me Melvin Van Peebles was an inspiration to all Independent film makers who value there movie more than making money.Within hours of seeing this movie I ordered Sweetback on DVD from America, because none of the great black film makers have there movies released in Australia. I was really inspired by Melvin's I don't give a stuff attitude. There is just something special about an independent film maker, taking risks and making a movie that makes people think, shame Hollywood doesn't try and do the same.

honeybearrecords BAADASSSSS (dir. by Mario Van Peebles) Man, I was so f*cking excited when I heard that this film was being made. When I was a kid, I would spend weekends with my Dad. There are two things I remember doing. One was shopping for model ships and airplanes from World War II. The other was going to see two or three movies in an afternoon. We saw EVERY Hong Kong action movie and EVERY blaxploitation flick that came out in the early '70s. So Melvin Van Peebles and "Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song" holds a special place for me in my memories.Based on his father's book, Mario Van Peebles recreated the story of the making of "Sweet Sweetback…" and the incredible struggle it took to get it funded and distributed. First, the major studios wanted nothing to do with a film about a black man turned revolutionary who kills a cop and gets away with it. They didn't want anyone making a film where city cops are exposed as racist and crooked. The racist unions wouldn't allow him to make a movie with a crew of whites, blacks, Latinos and Asians. To make matters worse, real racist cops step in and arrest half of the crew illegally.Basically, this film is "American Splendor" meets "Reds". It's the story of a guy working outside of the system eventually developing support from committed people who understood his vision with the ultimate triumph being the movie itself. Like "Reds", there are talking heads giving testimonials throughout. My favorite scene in "American Splendor" is the final moment where you get to see Harvey's actual retirement party with no actors and all real people. At the end of "Baadasssss" you get to see the real people and I thought I was going to cry. It's a great movie all the way to the very last second.

killronan I just finished watching "Baadasssss!" and it was a spectacular movie watching experience. Not only was it a rich account of film history, but it was anengrossing story of a father and son and a human story about perseveranceand spirit. Mario Van Peebles is to be commended for this most thrilling film! It is shameful---and I can already predict this (let me also add that I hope that I am DEAD wrong!)--that Van Peebles will be ignored come Oscar nomination timefor his surefooted directing and dynamic acting. His performance of his father is honest and filled with a tremendous amount of respect and love. Simply put, it is his best screen performance to date. I cannot highly recommend this movieenough. "Baadasssss!" is audacious and a treat for those of us who lovemovies!!