Wattstax (1973)

"Wattstax" (1973) is an iconic documentary about the legendary concert known as Wattstax. Stax Records organized the event on August 20, 1972, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to commemorate the seventh anniversary of the 1965 Watts riots. This multilayered film is strong in black culture, idealism, politics, music, style, fashion, language, art, dance, and beauty. Richard Pryor is the host of the film, and there are several excerpts from actors and everyday folks discussing life as a Black American post-Civil Rights.

The music in the film was nothing short of amazing. The concert was six hours long, but the film only showed parts of the entire show, including performances by Isaac Hayes, The Staple Singers, Carla and Rufus Thomas, Johnnie Taylor, Jimmy Jones, Rance Allen, Albert King, The Emotions, Little Milton, Luther Ingram, and more! Jesse Jackson also delivered his famous "I'm Somebody" speech, which Kim Weston followed by singing "Lift Every Voice."

This movie is one of the richest experiences of black culture. It was a moment when black people united for a common cause and celebrated with each other. Very few films can capture the essence of the black experience, but "Wattstax" did an excellent job of displaying the most profound aspects of Black Americans—comedy, music, dance, soul, and love.

Director: Mel Stuart

Starring Richard Pryor, James Alexander, Rance Allen, Raymond Allen, The Bar-Kays, Andre Edwards, The Emotions, Isaac Hayes, Luther Ingram, Jesse Jackson, Erik Kilpatrick, Albert King, Ted Lange, Little Milton, Richard Pryor, Mavis Staples, Roebuck 'Pops' Staples, Johnnie Taylor, Carla Thomas, Rufus Thomas, Kim Weston, Jimmy Jones, William Bell

Storyline
In 1972, at the Los Angeles Coliseum, director Mel Stuart captured the performances of the Watts Summer Festival. Stax Records organized the festival as a gathering of musicians and entertainers from the black community, brought together to remember the Watts Riots from seven years prior. Key performances include comedian Richard Pryor and singers Isaac Hayes and Luther Ingram. Stuart also presents shots of the Watts streets, community, and festival footage.

Clockers (1995)

"Clockers" (1995) is a crime drama directed by Spike Lee, who co-wrote the film with Richard Price, which they based on Price's novel under the same title. The movie features an outstanding cast, including Mekhi Phifer, Harvey Keitel, Keith David, John Turturro, Delroy Lindo, Isaiah Washington, Regina Taylor, and Thomas Jefferson Byrd. The film also has a great soundtrack that peaked at #54 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. 

Spike Lee produced several classic movies before '95, but "Clockers" is an underrated gem by the director. And it's understandable when notable films like "School Daze," "Do the Right Thing," "Mo' Better Blues," "Malcolm X," and "Crooklyn" existed earlier. However, "Clockers" shows Lee's versatility as a filmmaker, and the cast delivered an exceptional performance. I highly recommend this film for the viewing. 

Director: Spike Lee

Writer: Richard Price, Spike Lee

Starring Mekhi Phifer, Harvey Keitel, Keith David, John Turturro, Delroy Lindo, Isaiah Washington, Regina Taylor, Thomas Jefferson Byrd, Peewee Love, Sticky Fingaz, Fredro Starr, Elvis Nolasco, Lawrence B. Adisa, Hassan Johnson, Frances Foster, Michael Imperioli, Lisa Arrindell, Paul Calderon, Brendan Kelly, Mike Starr, Graham Brown, Steve White, Spike Lee

Storyline

A "clocker" is a 24-hour drug dealer, and Strike (Mekhi Phifer) is the hardest-working one on the streets. But for Strike, time is running out. When the local drug kingpin tips Strike off about an opportunity for advancement, a rival dealer ends up dead, and Strike suddenly finds himself caught between two homicide detectives. One is Mazilli (John Turturro), who's only looking for an easy bust. The other is Rocco (Harvey Keitel), who's looking for something much more challenging to find—the truth—and when Strike's law-abiding brother confesses to the murder, Rocco vows not to rest until he's sure the real shooter is behind bars.