Watch Ganja & Hess

Ganja & Hess is a 1973 horror film directed by Bill Gunn and starring Duane Jones, Marlene Clark, and Bill Gunn. The movie tells the story of Dr. Hess Green, an anthropologist who becomes infected with an ancient vampire curse after being stabbed with an African dagger by his research assistant, George Meda. Meda then kills himself, leaving Hess to deal with his newfound immortality and bloodlust. The movie explores themes of addiction, race, and spirituality, and is considered a cult classic in the horror genre.

The film opens with a title card explaining that it is "based on an idea by Bill Gunn" and "produced by a group of Negro artists," an early indication of the movie's unconventional approach to storytelling and representation. The opening scenes introduce us to Dr. Hess Green, a wealthy anthropologist who lives in a large mansion in upstate New York. Hess is played with understated intensity by Duane Jones, best known for his groundbreaking role in George A. Romero's Night of the Living Dead.

One night, Hess's research assistant, George Meda, stabs him with an African dagger and kills himself. Hess survives the attack, but discovers that he is now immortal and has a craving for human blood. He meets Meda's wife, Ganja, played by Marlene Clark, and the two begin a romantic relationship. Ganja becomes fascinated with Hess's curse and the ancient African culture that seemingly inspired it. The two embark on a journey of discovery, seeking out other members of the ancient tribe that created the vampire myth.

What follows is a moody and atmospheric exploration of addiction and desire, as Hess and Ganja struggle to come to terms with their new reality. The movie is full of symbolic imagery, from Hess's antique African art collection to a recurring motif of blood dripping onto white fabric. The cinematography is dreamlike and artful, with long takes and slow zooms that enhance the movie's surreal atmosphere.

One of the most striking aspects of Ganja & Hess is its depiction of African American culture and spirituality. Unlike most horror movies, which typically rely on Christian iconography and mythology, Ganja & Hess draws from African religions and folklore. The movie is full of references to Yoruba, Vodou, and other African traditions, and depicts a world where black spirituality holds both power and danger.

The movie's themes of addiction and desire are also deeply rooted in African American history and identity. Hess's curse can be seen as a metaphor for the legacy of slavery and colonialism, and his struggle to maintain control over his desires echoes the struggles of black people in a society that often treats them as objects of desire rather than fully human beings.

Despite its unconventional approach and heavy themes, Ganja & Hess is also a surprisingly sensual and erotic movie. The relationship between Hess and Ganja is passionate and intense, and there are several explicit sex scenes that are notable for their frankness and authenticity. The movie was controversial upon its release, with many critics condemning its explicit sexuality and unconventional structure.

Today, Ganja & Hess is widely considered a cult classic and a hallmark of the blaxploitation era of cinema. It has been praised for its innovative approach to horror, its depiction of African American culture and spirituality, and its bold exploration of addiction and desire. The movie was remade in 2014 as Da Sweet Blood of Jesus, directed by Spike Lee, but the original remains a groundbreaking work of independent horror filmmaking.

Ganja & Hess is a 1973 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.