Watch Super Fly

Super Fly is a true cult classic, released in 1972 and starring Ron O'Neal in the lead role of Youngblood Priest. The film became a beloved hit with audiences for its gritty portrayal of life in the inner city, its unflinching exploration of the drug trade, and its original soundtrack by Curtis Mayfield. The film follows Youngblood Priest, a suave and sophisticated drug dealer who is looking to retire from the business. But before he can do that, he has one last deal to pull off, one that will net him a ton of cash and set him up for life. But the road to retirement is paved with danger, as Priest faces off against rival gangs, corrupt cops, and double-crossing associates.

What truly sets Super Fly apart is its portrayal of Priest as a complex and multifaceted character. He's not a one-dimensional thug, but a man who is seeking a way out of a life he knows is destructive. He wants to build a better life for himself and the people he cares about, but he knows that the only way to do that is by staying in the drug trade. O'Neal brings a quiet intensity to the role, perfectly balancing Priest's charm and ruthlessness.

Super Fly is also notable for its portrayal of Black life in America at the time. It offers a frank and unvarnished look at the realities of inner-city living, from the crowded tenements to the daily struggle to make ends meet. But it also celebrates the vibrant culture that sprung up in these communities, from the music to the fashion to the slang. It's a film that speaks to the experiences of Black people at the time, but also has resonated with audiences of all backgrounds for its authenticity and honesty.

Of course, it's impossible to talk about Super Fly without mentioning its iconic soundtrack, composed and performed by Curtis Mayfield. The soundtrack is an integral part of the film, with Mayfield's soulful and socially conscious songs underscoring every scene. From the title track to "Freddie's Dead" to "Pusherman," the songs on the album stand on their own as classics of the genre. But they also serve to bring an added layer of meaning to the film, highlighting the struggles and dreams of the characters in a way that is both poignant and powerful.

There's no denying that Super Fly is a product of its time, and it's certainly rough around the edges at times. The film's portrayal of women is often problematic, and some of the action scenes and dialogue can be over-the-top. But what makes it enduringly relevant is the way it portrays one man's struggle to find a better life in a system that's stacked against him. In many ways, Youngblood Priest represents the hopes and dreams of a generation of Black Americans who were looking for a way out of poverty and oppression.

Super Fly was a major hit at the box office, grossing over $30 million on a budget of just $500,000. It spawned a sequel, Super Fly T.N.T., and a remake in 2018. But it's the original film that has stood the test of time, beloved by fans and critics alike for its raw honesty, unforgettable characters, and soul-stirring music. It's a film that deserves to be seen by anyone who cares about American cinema and the role it has played in shaping our culture.

Super Fly is a 1972 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 67.