Judas and The Black Messiah * * * *

When political speeches actually meant something.

This is a fascinating, exciting, and very educational drama.

After the demise of Malcolm X, Fred Hampton relocated to downtown Chicago and became the new leader of The Black Panther Movement for that area.  He is ably played by Daniel Kaluuya  (Get Out).

Fred Hampton got to know a new recruit, Bill O'Neil. What Fred didn't know, was that O'Neil was an informer working for the FBI.  

Bill O'Neil  had been recruited after being busted for car theft and impersonating an FBI officer. The FBI offered him a pardon in exchange for going undercover. Ironically, O'Neil would impersonate an officer in order to steal from his own people.

Bill O'Neil, played by LaKeith Stanfield is an interesting character.  Fairly low on morals and loyalty. You get the impression that money was all that mattered to him.  On each request from the FBI he'd agree to do it, as long as the price was right.  Even as he became more aware of the integrity of the Black Panthers and the decency of the members he was working alongside.

What is just as interesting as the story, is the insight into the Black Panther Movement and Fred Hampton's  determination to make it more inclusive.  He was a very committed socialist and wanted to bring relief to all oppressed and poor people.  Fred started "The Rainbow Coalition" which was to include poor white people and Hispanic people.  Unfortunately the police did not share his altruistic vision thus constantly forcing his hand and bringing about unnecessary conflict.

The film includes footage of the real Bill O'Neil and his last interview as he pathetically tries to justify his position. It's sad that a man could lead such an amoral and duplicitous life.  

Just as sad and disturbing is what happened to Fred Hampton because of Bill O'Neil.