Abar

Abar is a provocative feature film that gifted the cinema world with an enlightened perspective on the urban African American experience in 1977. Directed by Harry Williams and starring the likes of J. Walter Smith, Tobar Mayo, and Roxie Young, this film adds a fantastical twist to realistic social issues, making it a unique contribution to Blaxploitation cinema.

In Abar, the protagonist, Dr. Kincade (J. Walter Smith) is a wealthy, educated and charismatic man with an extraordinary theory of conquering the social ills of discrimination. Driven by his desire to uplift the African American community, he moves his family to an all-white neighborhood in Los Angeles with the hope of providing a better life for them. J. Walter Smith portrays the character of Dr. Kincade with remarkable precision and intensity, showing the predicaments of a black man who is others in an all-white neighborhood.

This move, however, does not sit well with their neighbors and Kincade's family faces a cruel brunt of blatant racism. As racial tensions grow, the story takes an unexpected turn when a mysterious stranger, Abar (Tobar Mayo), arrives on the scene. Abar is a towering black man with a mild demeanor but a strong presence. He becomes the family's much-needed protector against their neighbors' hostility. Tobar Mayo makes a powerful statement with his character Abar, indeed becoming the linchpin and the true strength of the film. He showcases a character that confronts the harsh realities of pervasive racism with a stoic calm and an intriguing secret that elevates the story into the realms of science fiction and fantasy.

Aside from the intricate storyline focusing on the harsh realities of racism, Abar also delves into elements of science fiction. Dr. Kincade, who is an accomplished scientist, has been working on an experimental serum - an elixir that increases one's intellectual and physical abilities exponentially. Abar becomes the subject of his experiment, enhancing the film's dramatic tension and adding to the already complex narrative.

The role of women in this movie is also worth noting, especially the portrayal by Roxie Young. Young plays the role of Mrs. Kincade, a strong and dedicated mother who supports her family in the face of critical prejudice. She embodies the character with realistic rawness and warmth, adding another dynamic layer of strength to the narrative.

On a deeper level, the film was also an exploration of the identity and psyche of the African American community in 1970s America. It showcased the internal conflicts, aspirations, and the continuous struggle against prejudice. But at its core, Abar is a film that slowly unveils its layers of complexities through characters who are trying to defend their dignity.

Furthermore, Abar is one of the few films of its era that features a predominately African American cast. This bold move, coupled with the storyline revolving around the struggle for equality, racial pride, and empowerment, makes the film a remarkable piece of Afrofuturism even before the term was coined.

The cinematography is striking, subtly revealing the stark social divide and pressures of encrusted bigotry. The music underscores the intensity of several scenes, playing the quintessential role in setting the ambiance and emphasizing the raw emotional tension.

Abar is an amalgamation of several genres rolled into one. SpaCe is grounded by its intense social commentary and analysis of racial discrimination. It adds elements of science fiction and fantasy to confront race relations, which makes it not just a film but an experience. The movie offers a compelling narrative that blurs the line between the harsh realities of life and the fantastical, giving audiences a poignant and memorable cinema experience.