Black Jesus (1968)

In the raw, evocative narrative of Black Jesus (1968), we follow the tragic fate of Maurice Lalubi, a figure symbolizing the iconic African leader, Patrice Lumumba. This 81-minute cinematic journey probes deep into the heart of colonial exploitation and the undying spirit of resistance. A fiery insurgent from Congo, Lalubi is captured and thrown into the bleak confines of a prison, his cellmates being a battle-hardened soldier and a crafty Italian thief. His Christ-like devotion to liberating his people through passive resistance earns him both reverence and scorn, marking him as a significant threat to the nascent military dictatorship propped up by European colonialists. As the trio endures the harrowing torment inflicted by their captors, the thief, in a transformative arc, begins to comprehend the profound depths of Lalubi's cause. Against the bleak backdrop of their incarceration, a powerful bond of understanding and respect forms, adding a poignant touch to their grim existence. Meanwhile, the dictatorial regime wrestles with the implications of Lalubi's potential martyrdom. Awaiting his fate at the hands of a ruthless government, Lalubi's unyielding gaze remains fixed on the world beyond the prison bars, capturing the full weight of the horror inflicted upon him and his people. Black Jesus, with its potent religious symbolism and stark condemnation of colonial exploitation, delivers an engaging, sometimes brutal cinematic experience. It offers an intimate look at the struggle for freedom, resilience in the face of oppression, and the transformative power of shared suffering.

Black Jesus is a drama movie featuring Woody Strode and directed by Valerio Zurlini.

Black Jesus is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Tubi TV and it's also available on Amazon Prime Video.

It is also possible to buy Black Jesus on Amazon Video.