Posse
Posse

Movie spotlight

Posse

1993
Movie
111 min
English

A group of mostly black infantrymen return from the Spanish-American War with a cache of gold. They travel to the West where their leader searches for the men who lynched his father.

Insights

IMDb5.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes50%
Google Users54%
Director: Mario Van PeeblesGenres: Western, Action, Crime

Plot Summary

In 1880s Mexico, a group of Black soldiers, led by Jesse Lee, form a posse to hunt down the corrupt white colonel who murdered their commander. They face prejudice and violent opposition as they pursue their target across the frontier. Their quest for justice leads them into a brutal confrontation with the colonel and his men, forcing them to fight for their lives and their honor.

Critical Reception

Posse received mixed to negative reviews from critics, with many criticizing its convoluted plot, uneven tone, and excessive violence. However, some praised its ambitious attempt to blend traditional Western elements with a focus on Black characters and its stylish direction. Audience reception was similarly divided, with some appreciating the action and its unique perspective, while others found it to be overly graphic and narratively weak.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unique anachronistic style and its attempt to center Black characters in a Western narrative.

  • Criticized for a convoluted plot and uneven pacing that detracts from its potential.

  • The action sequences and Mario Van Peebles' direction were noted, though often overshadowed by narrative flaws.

Google audience: Google users generally had a mixed response, with some appreciating the film's ambition and action-packed sequences, while others found the plot confusing and the violence gratuitous. The portrayal of Black cowboys was a point of interest for many.

Fun Fact

The film famously features a cameo by a young B.B. King, who plays a barbershop owner.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review