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Wattstax

Play trailer Poster for Wattstax R 1973 1h 43m Documentary Music Play Trailer Watchlist
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90% Tomatometer 40 Reviews 89% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
In 1972 at the Los Angeles Coliseum, director Mel Stuart captures the performances of the Watts Summer Festival. Organized by Stax Records, the festival is a gathering of musicians and entertainers from the black community, brought together to remember the Watts Riots from seven years prior. Key performances include those of comedian Richard Pryor, and singers Isaac Hayes and Luther Ingram. Stuart also presents shots of the Watts streets and community along with the festival footage.
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Wattstax

Wattstax

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Critics Consensus

From the stage to the street, Wattstax brilliantly captures a musical moment -- and a poignantly passionate response to painful social upheaval.

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Critics Reviews

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Ann Guarino New York Daily News 12/18/2020
3/4
All [the performers] draw lively reactions from the crowd who get to chant, "I am somebody." And isn't that all what we want to be? Go to Full Review Gene Siskel Chicago Tribune 12/18/2020
It is a fine documentary in that it does, better than any popular music film with the possible exception of Woodstock, document a group of people, their music, how it came to be, and why they like it. Go to Full Review Dennis Hunt Los Angeles Times 12/18/2020
This is a fragmented, skittery film that does not have enough moments of interest and hilarity to offset the stretches of boredom. Go to Full Review Dennis Harvey 48 Hills 02/27/2023
It’s a memorable display of African-American pride—and extravagant 1970s sartorial style—that also makes room for such leading Black cultural figures of the moment as Richard Pryor, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Ossie Davis & Ruby Dee and Melvin Van Peeble... Go to Full Review Candice Russell Miami Herald 12/18/2020
Simply as a means of recording the fruition of hope among a centuries-maligned minority Wattstax can stand proud. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Devon B @RT63162071 07/26/2024 This by far has to be one of my all time favorites Whenever someone mentions Woodstock I'm going to throw this one in the mix. See more delysid d @RT67044741 04/11/2018 Black people of america, I Love You See more 10/27/2014 Conjugando imagens de um lendário festival da Stax com testemunhos espirituosos de afro-americanos em luta pela sua própria expressão, "Wattstax" é geralmente animado e interessante enquanto documento de um momento sociocultural decisivo dos anos 70. Mas é a actuação de Rufus Thomas que vence o filme e garante que pelo menos 10 dos seus minutos sejam inesquecíveis. Johnnie Taylor e Little Milton são também nomes a reter depois de ver "Wattstax". See more 04/13/2014 The black "Woodstock". See more 02/05/2012 i bought this at the stax museum as a souvenir. not the greatest concert movie ever but an amazing time capsule centered around the "stax woodstock" in 1972. the visuals are amazing. jesse jackson in a dashiki. rufus thomas in a pink leisure suit (shorts not pants). isaac hayes in a vest of gold chains. the bar-kays' white afro guy. also, if you ever listened to public enemy, you'll know know the source for a TON of samples they appropriated. check it out. See more 02/03/2012 Watching this is like opening a wonderful, picturesque time capsule filled with the urban sights and sounds of the '70s. A must see for families to watch and discuss a time when people took pride in community before modern hip-hop stole hearts and minds. See more Read all reviews
Wattstax

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Cast & Crew

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Mel Stuart

Director

James Alexander

Actor

Raymond Allen

Actor

Isaac Hayes

Actor

Luther Ingram

Actor

Jesse Jackson

Actor

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Wattstax

Wattstax (1973) A scene from the film WATTSTAX: THE SPECIAL EDITION. A scene from the film WATTSTAX: THE SPECIAL EDITION. A scene from the film WATTSTAX: THE SPECIAL EDITION. A scene from the film WATTSTAX: THE SPECIAL EDITION. A scene from the film WATTSTAX: THE SPECIAL EDITION. A scene from the film WATTSTAX: THE SPECIAL EDITION. A scene from the film WATTSTAX: THE SPECIAL EDITION. Wattstax (1973) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis In 1972 at the Los Angeles Coliseum, director Mel Stuart captures the performances of the Watts Summer Festival. Organized by Stax Records, the festival is a gathering of musicians and entertainers from the black community, brought together to remember the Watts Riots from seven years prior. Key performances include those of comedian Richard Pryor, and singers Isaac Hayes and Luther Ingram. Stuart also presents shots of the Watts streets and community along with the festival footage.
Director
Mel Stuart
Producer
Mel Stuart, Larry Shaw
Distributor
Columbia Pictures
Production Co
Stax Records, Wolper Productions
Rating
R
Genre
Documentary, Music
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Feb 4, 1973, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Feb 18, 2016
Runtime
1h 43m
Sound Mix
Mono
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)