After saving a Black Panther from some racist cops, a black male prostitute goes on the run from "the man" with the help of the ghetto community and some disillusioned Hells Angels.
Directed by Melvin Van Peebles
police brutality
mexico
homophobia
brothel
1970s
anti hero
pimp
black panther party
on the run
blaxploitation cinema
racism
los angeles, california
revolutionary
black stereotype
racist cop
whorehouse
1940s
sex show
tijuana, mexico
black cinema
corrupt cop
Trailer
IMDB
N/A
Letterboxd
3.3 / 5
Where to Watch
Cast
Simon Chuckster
Beetle
Melvin Van Peebles
Sweetback
Mario Van Peebles
The Young Sweetback
John Dullaghan
Commissioner
John Amos
Biker
Lavelle Roby
Rhetta Hughes
Old Girlfriend
Norman Fields
William Kirschner
Vincent Barbi
Crew
Melvin Van Peebles
Director
Melvin Van Peebles
Screenplay
Melvin Van Peebles
Original Music Composer
Melvin Van Peebles
Editor
Melvin Van Peebles
Producer
Maurice White
Orchestrator
Verdine White
Orchestrator
Philip Bailey
Orchestrator
Popular Reviews
59 reviews
pat
8.0★ · 04/05/26
rated 3.3 by an all white jury
rated 3.3 by an all white jury
nadia g
5.0★ · 02/23/26
I'm not going to lie, I didn't know what was going on for a majority of the film. The editing was very interesting and appealing. I had to skip the first scene because ......obviously.....I was wildly uncomfortable.
I'm not going to lie, I didn't know what was going on for a majority of the film. The editing was very interesting and appealing. I had to skip the first scene because ......obviously.....I was wildly uncomfortable.
Andi
This is unlike anything I've seen before. Just deeply unsettled and disturbed by all aspects of this. A dizzying experience. This may be the one of the most accurate depictions of modern day slave catchers at work. I struggle to find words to describe this film due to its VERY taboo and controversial nature.
This is unlike anything I've seen before. Just deeply unsettled and disturbed by all aspects of this. A dizzying experience. This may be the one of the most accurate depictions of modern day slave catchers at work. I struggle to find words to describe this film due to its VERY taboo and controversial nature.
Sarah
6.0★ · 01/12/26
Watched for 2026 Cult Movie Challenge - letterboxd.com/that1oboist/list/the-2025-cult-movie-challenge/
6/52: Blaxploitation Week
Watched for 2026 Cult Movie Challenge - letterboxd.com/that1oboist/list/the-2025-cult-movie-challenge/
6/52: Blaxploitation Week
Grace
8.0★ · 11/10/25
this was the most insane cold open i’ve ever seen in a film…almost had me clicking off but i’m glad i actually finished it
this was the most insane cold open i’ve ever seen in a film…almost had me clicking off but i’m glad i actually finished it
