Baadasssss!

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Cast & Crew

Mario Van Peebles
Melvin Van Peebles

Joy Bryant
Priscilla

Terry Crews
Big T

Ossie Davis
Granddad

David Alan Grier
Clyde Houston

Nia Long
Sandra

Saul Rubinek
Howard 'Howie' Kaufman

Rainn Wilson
Bill Harris

T.K. Carter
Carter

Paul Rodriguez
Jose Garcia

Mario Van Peebles
Director

Mario Van Peebles
Writer (Book)

Mario Van Peebles
Writer (Screenplay)

Michael Mann
Executive Producer

Bruce Wayne Gillies
Producer

Dennis Haggerty
Associate Producer

Tobie Haggerty
Co-Producer

Tyler Bates
Original Music

Robert Primes
Cinematographer

Nneka Goforth
Film Editor

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Critic Reviews for Baadasssss!

Audience Reviews for Baadasssss!

• Apr 14, 2010

  This is a great film, a film I would have definetly want to make about learning how to make and finance an independent picture while risking everything on the line. I see it as almost a dead end tale where people will find ways of stoping one's passion yet still fighting to get the job done. It's a film that touches home with me dead on. Mario Van Peebles, Melvin's son, directs an honest and revealing portrait of his pioneering father. Mario now tells the story of the making of Melvin Van Peebles' landmark 1971 film, "Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song," including Melvin's struggles to raise money to fund the film under the guise of creating a black porno film. Melvin had ducked creditors, the unions and had to bail out his camera crew after they were arrested. Despite death threats and temporarily losing sight in one eye, Melvin somehow managed to whip into shape a rag-tag, multi-racial crew and finish the film that would give birth to birth of a new era which was about to explode: Independent Black Cinema.
  Brian R Super Reviewer
• Oct 16, 2009

  Ever wonder what it would be like to make your own film without a studio to support you and no money in the bank to fund it. Well, thankfully Mario Van Peebles' father forged ahead in the 70s with a dream and passion like no other. While Hollywood was content with making pictures that negatively depicted African Americans, Melvin Van Peebles decided to break this cultural norm and change the face of cinema. With no budget, money from friends and drug dealers, and a non-union crew, Melvin created the impossible. He grabbed a hold of an idea and let nothing get in the way from accomplishing it. Melvin had a dream of making an African American the center of the film, one that took no sass from anyone and criticized the modern white Government. While big studios backed away from this project, Melvin jumped forward made Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song. There were trial and tribulations to get it done, but thanks to a very surprising source the film became a success. It was the first independent film to become the number one film in America. Similar to the passion seen in Melvin's eyes when he is making his low-budget film, Mario portrays that exact same involvement when making this low-budget film. What I loved about this film is that there is so much raw, unbridled emotion behind Mario's eyes that you can tell that he 1) loves his Dad and 2) wanted to show America the truth behind this innovator's life. This is Mario's past, and he superbly reenacts it on screen. He carries this film, showing us the many facets of his father. He shows the angry American, the independent talent, the powerful leader, and even the emotional parent. Through all of this Mario continues to keep this film focused and interesting. We cannot keep our eyes off his portrayal of his father. I would not be surprised if he is nominated for an Oscar this year. Finally, this is a very powerful film that speaks about a side of Hollywood that is less known. It shows how the boundaries of racism can be broken with imagination and persistence. It shows that 'all men are created equal' and that if you have a dream you should pursue it. If you are in the process of making your own film and need a movie that will inspire and motivate, this would be the film to watch. From the moment I put this film in my DVD player, I was glued. What a powerful story coupled with interesting actors (Adam West and Sally Struthers) and told with a very realistic voice. I highly recommend this film.
  Cassandra M Super Reviewer
• Sep 03, 2009

  Not so much a documentary (though its filmed like one) but a drama showing how Melvin Van Peebles' "Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song." got made, despite the lack of money, support, technical expertise, social climate, etc etc. Directed by and staring his son Mario Van Peebles, who does an amazing job of conveying the complexity, charm and take-no-prisoners attitude of his dad, and a feeling of what it was like to be there in that time in that place. And Mario should know, since he was hauled in act in the most controversal scene in the entire film. Before watching this, I though it was going to be heavy viewing, but instead it turned out to be thoroughly entertaining, made with a light hand and an easy wit and a lot of humour in it. Go, son, go.
  Lesley N Super Reviewer
• Jul 06, 2008

  this is a very important movie to wacth a must see....
  khalvic b Super Reviewer

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