Watch Three the Hard Way
- R
- 1974
- 1 hr 29 min
-
6.2 (1,800)
Three the Hard Way is a 1974 action-thriller film directed by Gordon Parks Jr. and starring Jim Brown, Fred Williamson, and Jim Kelly. The movie is set in the United States and revolves around a dangerous plot by a white supremacist group to poison the water supply of three major American cities, leading to the death of millions of Black Americans.
The three men, played by Brown, Williamson, and Kelly, are old friends who reunite after learning about the heinous plan. They decide to take matters into their own hands and embark on a mission to stop the white supremacists, putting their own lives at risk in the process.
The movie is a classic example of the Blaxploitation genre, which became popular in the 1970s. The term refers to a genre of low-budget films that catered to primarily African American audiences and featured strong Black lead characters who fought against oppression and discrimination.
The plot of Three the Hard Way is very much in line with the themes of Blaxploitation films. The three Black protagonists are depicted as strong, confident, and unafraid to confront the white supremacist threat head-on. They are skilled fighters, with Brown playing a martial arts expert, Williamson a tough talking boxer, and Kelly a karate master.
The trio embarks on a dangerous cross country journey to locate the white supremacist group's headquarters and its leader, Monroe Feather. Along the way, they encounter many obstacles and challenges, but they never lose sight of their mission.
The movie's action sequences are intense and well-choreographed, with plenty of gunfights, car chases, and hand-to-hand combat scenes. These scenes are truly the highlight of the movie, and they showcase the trio's impressive fighting skills.
What sets Three the Hard Way apart from other Blaxploitation films is its political message. The film is not just about three Black men fighting for their lives, but also about a larger struggle for justice and equality. The white supremacist plot to poison the water supply is a metaphor for the systemic racism and discrimination that Black Americans faced in the 1970s.
Overall, Three the Hard Way is a powerful and entertaining film that still holds up well today. It has all the hallmarks of a classic Blaxploitation movie, including a strong cast, intense action sequences, and a socially conscious message. If you're a fan of action movies or Blaxploitation cinema, then Three the Hard Way is definitely worth checking out.