Watch Black Samson

Black Samson is a 1974 blaxploitation film directed by Charles Bail and stars Rockne Tarkington, William Smith, and Connie Strickland. The film takes place in a predominantly African-American neighborhood in Los Angeles, where poverty, crime, and police brutality are rampant. Black Samson, played by Tarkington, is a club owner and former boxer who has become a figurehead in the community. He uses his club as a safe haven for the people in the neighborhood, providing entertainment and protection against the corrupt police force. However, his peaceful world is shattered when a ruthless gang led by a white mobster named Juno (Smith) moves into the area to take over the drug trade.

Juno and his gang wreak havoc in the neighborhood, causing Black Samson and his friends to stand up against them. With the help of martial arts expert and love interest Claudia (Strickland), Black Samson leads a rebellion against Juno and his gang. The film culminates in a fiery showdown between the two forces, with Black Samson using his fighting skills to take down Juno and save the neighborhood.

The film's plot is a classic example of the blaxploitation genre, which emerged in the 1970s and typically featured African-American actors as strong, savvy, and tough protagonists fighting against oppression and injustice. Black Samson is no different in this regard, with Tarkington's character representing the brave and resilient black community facing challenges from outside forces.

What sets Black Samson apart from other blaxploitation films is its focus on community-building and empowerment. The film portrays Black Samson not only as a fighter but also as a leader who cares deeply about his community. His club serves as a hub for the community to gather, socialize, and support each other. Furthermore, Black Samson's rebellion against Juno and his gang is not just a personal vendetta but a collective effort by the community to reclaim their neighborhood from the villains.

The film also features an important female character in Claudia, who is not just a love interest but also a skilled fighter who stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Black Samson in the fight against Juno. This portrayal of a strong and capable black woman was rare in American cinema at the time and is a testament to the film's progressive stance on gender roles.

Black Samson's strengths are not just in its plot and characters but also in its style. The film is a visual treat, with its depiction of the vibrant African-American culture through music, dance, and fashion. The club scenes, in particular, are energetic and lively, with performances by real-life musicians and dancers adding authenticity to the film. The fight scenes are also well-choreographed and intense, with Tarkington's prowess as a boxer coming to the fore.

Despite its qualities, Black Samson is not a flawless film. The plot is predictable and formulaic, with little deviation from the blaxploitation formula. The film's portrayal of white people as the source of all evil in the neighborhood is also simplistic and one-dimensional, ignoring the complexities of a city ridden with poverty, crime, and racism.

In conclusion, Black Samson is an important film in the blaxploitation genre, representing the empowerment and resilience of the African-American community in the face of adversity. Its focus on community-building, gender roles, and vibrant aesthetics sets it apart from other films of the genre. While it may not be a masterpiece, it is a significant piece of cinema that deserves to be revisited and appreciated.

Black Samson is a 1974 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.