Customer Reviews

The Murder of Fred Hampton

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Excellent footage of the last speeches/appearances by Fred Hampton. Somewhat difficult to view the "murder" scenes (not for the squeemish). And the blatant cover-ups by Chicago police will leave your blood boiling!

This film displays the evil attitudes and destructive power of the Chicago police department in murdering a shining light named Fred Hampton. "Chairman Fred" as he was known to those who worked and knew him, as displayed in this DVD, is a very committed person in the struggle to uplift his people in his community through education, free clinics, and free breakfast and lunch programs (most of these programs, started by the Black Panther Party was taken over by the Federal Government). If those in power did not fear what Fred and the others in the BPP was doing, who knows what strides we would have made and achievements obtained earlier instead of later.

A powerful last third makes up for the technical rawness (including some
sections where it's hard to hear what's being said).

Hampton can be initially be tough to sympathize with, especially
for an audience 40+ years later, as he preaches what sounds like
a hopelessly naïve call for violent revolution.

But the slowly growing evidence that the so-called 'shoot-out' in which
he died was nothing less than the intentional murder murder of a charismatic
African-American leader set up by the police is deeply chilling, and makes
Hampton's call to take up arms in self-defense seem a little less unreasonable
in retrospect.

An important reminder of a now all-but-forgotten time in our not so
distant history.

Interesting documentary about Illinois leader of the Black Panther Party. Began as a documentary and ended as an investigation into circumstances surrounding leader's death. Gives insight and perspective on the fundamental belief system of the Party.

This film exposes the murder of the great Fred Hampton with the attention to details and evidence you would expect to see used to convince a court beyond a reasonable doubt. No other conclusion is possible for the facts. More than just a film, this collection of evidence is a timeless indictment of corruption so imbedded within the system the only way for it to be exposed in the eyes of history. And what is histories verdict? Fred said you can kill a revolutionary, but you can't kill revolution. In 2009 another revolutionary black Chicago community organizer with a gift for speaking truths took the white house! Fred lives.

One of the best documentaries I have ever seen, hands down. If you are unfamiliar with Fred Hampton (or the BPP) and his views on social reform, I HIGHLY recommend this film.

Fred was killed well before his prime , this young guy[KILLED AT 21 YEARS OLD} had an undying love for his people , sought justice for all disenfranchised people , but this corrupt gov't we live under , stomps another great displaced african leader out . his passion , intellect , and motive was so strong , he was a threat to the establishment ,his voice would have only gotten louder . all positive black institution are quieted quickly when to much good influence and power in evident , but , UNCLE SAM seems to not be able to control thug gangs , such as bloods and crypt after 40 years of existance . REpectfully other reviewer pres. Barack is no Fred Hampton !!!!!.
This doc. has great detail and insight into chairmans last days before his murder , line item detail of the police lies , and misrepresentations . thought provoking , another reminder of the importance of knowing from wence you came and where you need to go . this system will never view ,the desendants of africans brought here against there will, as equals . it will continue to insult us , continue to diminish an african way of life ,that we have mostly lost anyway, and we will allow it ! get the dvd

I will just address this important documentary regarding the value it's cinematic craft. The images are often underexposed or overexposed, muddy...But THE SOUND IS ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT. Incredible sound. Technically, the well-recorded sound carries this film along. The clear sound gives this film an incredible emotional immediacy, even when the images fall down.

Dan O'Donnell