70's African American Cinema

Today, Kim and I watched The Black Godfather and Coffy. This was my first real experience with classic "Black-sploitation" films, other than the 80's spoof, I'm Gonna Get You Sucka. Needless to say this was a welcome lesson in culture for me, as well as an eye opener.

While we chuckled at the sometimes highly questionable 70's decor (anyone for huge crazy flower print kitchens with black and white tile floors?), it brought back some good memories of a simpler time in my life. I remembered the wood paneling in our family's house in Florida, my mom's pseudo-afro and, later pixie cut. I remember my dad's liesure suit along with the bright orange easy chair in the living room, right next to the octagonal dark wood table. Further memories of feathered haired neighbors dropping by, wearing high heeled, wood platform shoes and pants suits sprung to mind. Even our bright orange, lime green, bright yellow, pizza keeper made a guest appearence in my mind. That and macrome knitted hanging plant holders with big wooden beads. Yes, lots of crazy memories, but good ones.

Bottom line, I enjoyed watching The Black Godfather and got into the story. It was fun and engaging in it's own way. Some of the subtleties between the charactors and the underlying tone of the equality struggle spoke to me as well. One of my favorite parts was when a white rival gang boss is sitting on Big Nate's (who is African American) desk. Nate calmly says "...and speaking of change...chair" while pointing firmly to the empty seat. After a moment the other boss realizes his disrespectful mistake and sits down.

The Black Godfather made me interested in seeing other films, like the venerable Dolomite, or Willie Dynamite aka Gordon from Sesame Street. Just good 70's fun and a great way to spend a relaxed Sunday afternoon. Thank you to those filmakers!