Watch Cool Breeze

Cool Breeze is a 1972 crime film following the story of a burglar named Sidney Lord Jones (Thalmus Rasulala) who recruits a team of fellow thieves to rob a bank in Los Angeles. Jones, a famous burglar with a long criminal record and a well-known reputation, devises a plan to earn the respect of his peers and prove that he is still a force to be reckoned with. He hires a group of professional thieves from different backgrounds, each with their own expertise, including Bobby Mason (Julian Christopher) and Lisa (Judy Pace).

Jones' first move is to secure the services of a corrupt cop, Lieutenant Fontaine (Raymond St. Jacques), who can help them gain access to a safety deposit box filled with millions of dollars. Negotiating with Fontaine, however, is not without its challenges, as he demands a larger cut of the profits than agreed upon.

As Jones and his team prepare for the heist, they encounter various unexpected obstacles and setbacks that threaten to derail their plans. Throughout the film, Cool Breeze explores the dynamics of the group, particularly its power struggles and internal conflicts.

Jones is a complicated character who is determined to prove himself as a mastermind and regain his reputation, but his ego and desire for control sometimes get in the way of his better judgment. Pace, playing Lisa, is an independent and strong-willed woman who challenges Jones' leadership and tries to assert her own authority. Christopher's character, Bobby Mason, constantly seeks to prove himself and earn respect in the eyes of his peers.

The film is notable for its all-black cast and crew, and for being one of the first films in which an African American director (William Crain) had complete creative control. It dynamically portrays the characters' experiences and motivations, particularly in a historical context where African Americans' contributions to film were limited.

Cool Breeze incorporates several stylistic elements of blaxploitation films that were popular during the early 1970s, with its gritty urban setting, sly humor, and a funky score by Solomon Burke. The film also touches on themes of loyalty, trust, betrayal, and morality.

Overall, Cool Breeze is a tense and exciting crime drama that expertly balances action, suspense, and character development. With its talented cast, inventive storytelling, and stylish visuals, it remains a classic of the genre and a testament to the contributions of black filmmakers in Hollywood.