this was ... really hard to sit through. there was actually a certain point in the film, just a bit after half way through when i genuinely thought i might just have to turn it off because i wasn’t sure whether i could, or more accurately whether i wanted to sit through what i knew was to come, but i did, because this is history, this is what really happened, and there isn’t much use trying to block it out of my mind.

i was pretty well educated on hampton and the black panther party going in, and i knew about hampton’s assassination, but not anywhere near as in depth as is explored in this film and so it was meaningful to be able to educate myself further in that respect, if admittedly often incredibly difficult to endure. daniel kaluuya is just incredible in this film, like, he really didn’t have to prove himself to anyone because anyone who’s been paying any attention to him in recent years is well aware of his talent, but he delivers an exceptional performance nonetheless. lakeith stanfield is near equally excellent here, demonstrating himself as yet another consistently impressive talent who only continues to prove himself more and more each year, as if he hadn’t already. 

as much as i’ve clarified how difficult it was for me to get through some of this film, i really can’t recommend it enough. i’ve only seen one (1) other 2021 new release so far and that wasn’t great so i suppose this isn’t saying much, but yeah, this is the best film of the year so far, and for what it’s worth, i reckon it’s going to be up there as one of the best by the end of the year too.