Panther Laptop for Students

A time of tension and rioting in the streets marked a period of profound change in Oakland, California, during the year 1968. It was in this turbulent environment that the Black Panthers, led by Huey Newton (Marcus Chong, The Matrix) and Bobby Seale (Courtney B. Vance, The Preacher's Wife), armed themselves and prepared to fight for freedom. To the people, they were heroes, but to the FBI, they were Public Enemy Number One.

The Feds were determined to do everything they could, within the bounds of the law or not, to bring the Black Panthers down. This powerful story, written by legendary filmmaker and author Melvin Van Peebles (Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song) and directed by his son, Mario Van Peebles (New Jack City, Posse), is brought to life through an all-star cast that includes Kadeem Hardison (Drive), Bokeem Woodbine (Queen & Slim), Joe Don Baker (GoldenEye), Angela Bassett (Black Panther), Chris Tucker (Rush Hour), Chris Rock (The Longest Yard), James Le Gros (Guncrazy), M. Emmet Walsh (Blood Simple), Robert Culp ("I Spy"), James Russo (Django Unchained), Bobby Brown (Ghostbusters II), and Tyrin Turner (Menace II Society).

The New York Times described "Panther" as a film that "entertains, provokes, and energizes," while Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times praised its ability to capture the "idealism and excitement of the party's early days" and its "vivid period reconstruction of the way the Panthers grew both through community programs." Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times noted the film's "sincere attempt at celebratory, spirit-raising filmmaking in the 'Malcolm X' mold, a romanticized but effective attempt at creating heroes and showcasing the positive aspects of the Panther Party and its message of black empowerment and self-respect."

The story of the Black Panthers and their fight for freedom is a powerful and compelling one, and "Panther" brings this important chapter of history to life in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Through its vivid depiction of the party's early days, its community programs, and its message of black empowerment and self-respect, the film offers a compelling and effective portrait of a pivotal moment in American history.

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