Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution, The (15)

Documentary

This documentary tells the rise and fall of the Black Panther Party, one of the 20th century's most alluring and controversial organizations that captivated the world's attention for nearly 50 years.

The critical consensus

While strong on establishment prejudice, the coverage of clashing egos and agendas isn’t always incisive.

(*) (*) David Parkinson, Empire Online, 19/10/2015

Stanley Nelson’s gripping documentary captures the rage and rhetoric behind the gun-toting Panther’s fear-provoking radicalism.

(*) Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian, 22/10/2015

Combining archive footage and present-day interviews, and using music to drive the story, Nelson tells a complicated and often violent story in lithe, inventive fashion.

(*) (*) Geoffrey MacNab, The Independent, 22/10/2015

A great soundtrack, rare footage and honest interviews make for an eye-opening reappraisal of the black power party’s rise.

(*) Mark Kermode, The Observer, 25/10/2015

(*) Alistair Harkness, The Scotsman, 31/10/2015