The Last Revolutionary

The Last Revolutionary, a 2017 drama film, invites audiences into a journey of history, belief, friendship, and resilience against the backdrop of political turmoil and social change. The movie impeccably combines humor and suspense to tell a passion-filled narrative that still resonates today.

Directed by Michael Brewer, The Last Revolutionary explores the relationship between two paradoxical characters who share histories of revolutionary activism. Despite living in a modern society where memories of their resistance have all but faded, the protagonists are pulled back into old dynamics, forced to confront how their past battles have shaped their present lives.

Mac Perkins, compellingly portrayed by John Marshall Jones, inhabits the role of a reclusive activist from the 1970s, passing his days in relative obscurity in a gentrified area of Brooklyn, New York. Mac, a former member of The Black Panther Party, lives disconnected from technology in a house that resembles a fortress, filled with memorabilia of his old revolutionary life.

On the other side of the spectrum, we meet Jack Armstrong, portrayed by Levy Lee Simon. Jack, another former radical activist, stands in stark contrast to Mac. His life took a different turn after the revolution, leading him towards the capitalist ethos rather than against it. Armstrong, now a successful businessman in California, remorsefully acknowledges the toll his political history took on his personal relationships, including his relationship with his family and Mac.

The drama unfolds when Jack makes an unannounced visit to Mac's home, rekindling a dormant friendship tinged with lingering resentment for each other’s divergent life choices. In a locked house with no escape, the characters are forced to confront their past ideologies, the consequences of their resistance years, and where they stand now, years after the revolution.

Acclaimed actress Marla Gibbs makes a striking presence in the film in her role as Blue, Mac’s long-suffering wife. Blue Houston's character is a testament to the personal sacrifices behind the public fight for equality. Her sorrow and bitterness over their shared pasts give viewers an intimate look at the struggles of those on the homefront who are equally affected by the outcomes of their husbands' revolutionary efforts.

Robert L. Wilson completes the small but potent cast as Sap, another member of The Black Panther Party. His existence heavily tied to the revolution, Sap's life ended abruptly, leaving a mysterious void in the narrative that only adds to the complex tapestry of the story.

Juxtaposing the past and present, The Last Revolutionary delves into the raw, transforming energy of the 1970s, a time that shaped the lives of these characters. Throughout the film, viewers will tread the jagged landscape of Black history, politics, civil rights, and brotherhood. The script, also penned by co-star Levy Lee Simon, eloquently drives the narrative through the wrestling dichotomy of the old guard versus the new world, socialism versus capitalism, and evocative memories of revolution versus the reality of what followed.

Scored by celebrated composer Stephen James Taylor, the film’s ensemble of jazz, soul, and orchestral undertones adds to the overall emotional weight of the narrative. Cinematographer Pascal Combes-Knoke masterfully captures the raw emotion, capturing both the broad historical scope and the intimate human moments that propel the narrative.

From the opening credits, audiences will be pulled into the dichotomous world of The Last Revolutionary. Through the lives of Jack and Mac, the film becomes a mirror reflecting the sentiment, struggle, and enduring legacy of a bygone era. The film is a potent exploration of the cost of revolution, how it impacts the lives of those involved and how it leaves an indelible mark on history.

The Last Revolutionary is a deeply moving tale of struggle, remembrance, and reconciliation. It is a stark reminder of the profound personal sacrifices often hidden behind the public masks of heroism. The film incites viewers to question the realities and ideals of revolution and their relevance in today’s world. It isn't just a story of two men but a reflection on the broader implications of political ideology, social change, history, friendship, and ultimately, humanity. Through its grounded narrative and remarkable performances, The Last Revolutionary is sure to leave a powerful impact on its viewers.