Black Wax

1983·Movie
1h 19min
IMDb7.9

Where to watch

Night Flight+OVIDFandorPlexAmazon Prime Video Free with Ads

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

Black Wax fingerprint

Strong craft, striking style, light on feelings.

Energy

Calm and low-key

  • Tension6
  • Adrenaline5
  • Fast Pace5

Heart

Nostalgic

  • Nostalgia7
  • Melancholy6
  • Pathos5

Humor

Some satire and dark humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Satire & Parody7
  • Dark Humor6
  • Wit & Wordplay5

World

History, society, and politics

  • Dialogue Centrality8
  • World Immersion7
  • Rewatchability6

Craft

Standout performances, dialogue, and characters

  • Acting8
  • Dialogue Quality8
  • Character Depth8

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Cinematography7
  • Editing7
  • Music Composition7

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFriends NightParty VibePartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchBackground WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking

Find more like it

Educational movies

Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

With The Most Dangerous Musician Alive, Gil Scott-Heron

Gil Scott-Heron, one of rap's earliest (and unfortunately unknown) pioneers, gets his full due in Black Wax, the 1982 documentary recently reissued on video. Interspliced between performance footage of Scott-Heron and his Midnight Band are vignettes of him walking around Washington D.C., spouting his views on then-President Reagan (dubbed "Ray-Gun") and generally dropping knowledge. The live performance features many of Scott-Heron's best-known hits, including "Johannesburg," "Winter in America," and "Angel Dust," among others. Warm, intelligent, and insightful throughout, Scott-Heron is clearly enjoying himself and the opportunity to espouse his views. A must for any fan of Scott-Heron's, and definitely worth a look for fans of the funkier jazz music of the mid to late 1970's.
Gil Scott-HeronDocumentaryPolitical CommentaryJazz & Funk1980s CultureMusic PerformanceSocial JusticeSatiricalPoetry

Crew

Directed by:
Robert Mugge
Produced by:
Robert Mugge

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about Black Wax

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Black Wax legally?

Night Flight+OVIDFandorPlexAmazon Prime Video Free with AdsEternal FamilyCineverseStingray Djazz

Black Wax is included with a subscription to Night Flight+, OVID, and Eternal Family in the United States. You can watch it free with ads on Plex, Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads, and Cineverse. You can also rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is Black Wax worth watching?

79
GreatGoodWatch score

Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 79/100 (IMDb 7.9). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Black Wax rated?

Strong languageDrug use

Content advisories: strong language and drug use.

How long is Black Wax?

1 h 19 min

Black Wax runs 1 h 19 min.

Is Black Wax based on a true story?

Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.

What language is Black Wax in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom.

In how many countries can I watch Black Wax?

131ADAGALAOARATAUAZBABBBEBFBGBM+117

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Black Wax in 131 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

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