Deacons for Defense

2005·Movie
1h 35min
IMDb7.0Rotten Tomatoes–89%

Where to watch

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

Deacons for Defense fingerprint

High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.

Energy

Tense and thrilling

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension8
  • Adrenaline7
  • Violence7

Heart

Moving and cathartic

  • Pathos8
  • Catharsis7
  • Melancholy6

Humor

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Dark Humor4
  • Satire & Parody3
  • Wit & Wordplay2

World

History, a real life story, and society

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion8
  • Dialogue Centrality7
  • Rewatchability5

Craft

Standout performances

  • Acting8
  • Direction7
  • Narrative Structure7

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Cinematography7
  • Editing6
  • Music Composition6

Who it's for

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About

Inspired by a true story, this drama is set in 1965, not long after passage of the Civil Rights Act. Despite the Act, the African-American citizens of Bogalusa are still treated like third-class citizens, their fundamental rights as human beings persistently trampled by the white power structure, in general, and the local branch of the KKK. The story follows the formation of local black men, particularly ex-war veterans who after the struggles become too overbearing organizes the group, "Deacons for defense", an all-black defense group dedicated to patrolling the black section of town and protecting its residents from the more violent aspects of "white backlash."
Civil Rights DramaBased on True StoryRacial InjusticeAmerican South1960s SettingCommunity DefenseTense AtmosphereMoral Conflict

Crew

Directed by:
Bill Duke, Gretchen Helbig
Written by:
Frank Military, Richard Wesley, Michael D'Antonio
Produced by:
Stephanie Gorin, Nick Grillo
Composed by:
Michel Colombier

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

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Questions about Deacons for Defense

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Deacons for Defense legally?

PrimefuboTVThe RokuHooplaShout! Factory TVAmazon Prime Video Free with AdsTubi TV

Deacons for Defense is included with a subscription to Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, and Amazon Prime Video with Ads in the United States. You can watch it free with ads on Hoopla, Shout! Factory TV, and Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is Deacons for Defense worth watching?

73
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 74/100 (IMDb 7). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Deacons for Defense rated?

ViolenceStrong language

Content advisories: violence and strong language.

How long is Deacons for Defense?

1 h 35 min

Deacons for Defense runs 1 h 35 min.

Is Deacons for Defense based on a true story?

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

What language is Deacons for Defense in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United States.

In how many countries can I watch Deacons for Defense?

5AUBRGBGGUS

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Deacons for Defense in 5 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

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