Watch Up Tight!

Up Tight! is a 1968 drama directed by Jules Dassin and starring Raymond St. Jacques, Ruby Dee, and Frank Silvera. It is a powerful and timely exploration of the civil rights movement, set in Cleveland, Ohio, in the aftermath of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. The film follows a group of black revolutionaries who seek to overthrow the system of oppression that keeps them down. They plan a daring heist to rob a warehouse and gather weapons for their cause, but their plans are complicated by internal struggles, personal conflicts, and betrayal within their own ranks.

At the center of the story is Tank Williams (St. Jacques), a former Black Panther who has become disillusioned with the movement and drifted into a life of crime. He is tormented by guilt over his involvement in the accidental killing of a young black girl, and his attempts to make amends lead him back to his old comrades and the violent struggle for justice.

Ruby Dee gives a powerful performance as Tank's estranged wife, Laurie, who is torn between her allegiance to the movement and her desire for a normal life. She is both a symbol of the hopes and sacrifices of the civil rights movement and an individual struggling to find her own identity and voice.

Frank Silvera is also excellent as Tank's former mentor, who has become embittered and disillusioned with the movement and is willing to betray his comrades for his own gain. His portrayal of a man torn between his ideals and his self-interest is nuanced and compelling.

The film is notable for its frank portrayal of violence and intense political rhetoric, as well as its gritty, realistic style. The black-and-white cinematography and jazz-infused soundtrack help to create a tense and moody atmosphere that captures the turbulence of the times.

Up Tight! is a powerful and emotionally charged drama that still resonates today, exploring the complex and often painful struggles of the civil rights movement and the individuals caught up in its tumultuous wake. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the movement, or in the power of cinema to provoke thought and inspire action.

Up Tight! is a 1968 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.