Drama
American
1977 · Directed by Charles Burnett · 80 min
In the Watts neighbourhood of Los Angeles, a slaughterhouse worker tries to hold his family and his sense of self together on very little money and very little sleep. Made in loose episodes rather than a conventional plot, it is a quiet, observant portrait of ordinary Black working-class life.
Why it matters in cinema history
A founding work of independent Black American cinema, and one of the great American films to take Italian neorealism's lessons about real places and non-professional people and apply them to its own streets.
Watch with intention
Watch it as a mosaic, not a story: every small scene adds to a portrait of tiredness, dignity and community.
Save this film, rate it and keep your notes.
Free, no ads. Your journal, your lists, a Cine Guide that remembers you.
Create your free space
