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Ken Burns: Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson DVD 2PK

$24.99 $19.99
11 Reviews Write a Review
Item #: WB6592
In this Emmy® Award-winning documentary by Ken Burns, follow Jack Johnson's journey from his beginnings as the son of former slaves, to his entry into the brutal world of professional boxing, where he was able to battle his way up through the ranks and become the first African-American Heavyweight Champion of the World. The biography of Jack Johnson is accompanied ... More
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In this Emmy® Award-winning documentary by Ken Burns, follow Jack Johnson's journey from his beginnings as the son of former slaves, to his entry into the brutal world of professional boxing, where he was able to battle his way up through the ranks and become the first African-American Heavyweight Champion of the World. The biography of Jack Johnson is accompanied by more than fifty photographs and draws from a wealth of new material.

Producer: Ken Burns, David Schaye, Paul Barnes
Executive Producer: Ken Burns
Production Company: Florentine Films
Production Year: 2005
Copyright Year: 2004
Rating: TV-PG
Director: Ken Burns
Narrator: Keith David
Actors: Samuel L. Jackson
Talent: Samuel L. Jackson
Writers: Geoffrey C. Ward
Number of Discs: 2
Length: 240 minutes
Audio Format: Stereo

11 Reviews
S
Susan
Verified Buyer
5.0 star rating
10/09/23
xxx
Review by Susan on 10/09/23 review stating xxx
I havent seen it yet as I have given it to a group I belong to which is planning a film festival on racism in the US.
B
Bill
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
11/06/20
Unforgivable Blackness
Review by Bill on 11/06/20 review stating Unforgivable Blackness
This is truly captivating, how this black man lived so free, during the worst times in history for people of color. He was an extremely talented boxer and had a way of living high in the times he lived in. He was selfish, his talent and his money allowed him a freedom no one else displayed. He did things that his smarts, money, and total disregard for the jim crow times he lived in, I felt was remarkable. I can only think of Jackie Robinson who performed with excellence under terrible circumstances.
T
Truth
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
11/06/20
Deliverance!
Review by Truth on 11/06/20 review stating Deliverance!
This is an extraordinary story of a man who lived his life with so much more courage and conviction that could any of his convictors. It shames me that the US government, who claims to constitutionally protect and ensure the rights of all of its citizen, had a hand in Jack Johnsons demise and extradition, with its acceptance of racist laws. Much applause to Ken Burns who, as he so eloquently does, honored this mans story with his brilliant quest for historical truth.
K
Kate
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Unforgivable? Unforgettable
Review by Kate on 07/17/20 review stating Unforgivable? Unforgettable
Watching the turmoil and outrage this magnificent fighter sparked in the powers-that-be was fascinating. Watching Jack Johnson rise up every time with that big grin on his face, insolent and daring anyone to wipe it off him- that picture stays with me and inspires me when anyones working to intimidate or demean me. Thank you, Jack Johnson, for your proud, tough grin; thank you, Ken Burns, for letting me see it for myself.
B
Boxingfan
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Unforgivable Blackness
Review by Boxingfan on 07/17/20 review stating Unforgivable Blackness
This man was true to himself it does not get any better intrigued by his demeanor the smile on his face while beating that behind blowing kisses at people shouting racial slurs before, during and after fights holla back acha!
J
Jean V.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Powerful history lesson
Review by Jean V. on 07/17/20 review stating Powerful history lesson
Well put together documentary and a great historical find!
T
The C.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Unforgiveable Blackness: The Rise and Fa
Review by The C. on 07/17/20 review stating Unforgiveable Blackness: The Rise and Fa
This documentary introduced me to Jack Johnson. His story was very informative and very well put together. I really appreciated his strength as an African American man and boxing hero.
G
Ghostof G.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
The uncomparable soul of Jack
Review by Ghostof G. on 07/17/20 review stating The uncomparable soul of Jack
Im a boxing historian and fan. This DVD explain in great detail the fights Jack had to fight outside of the ring.
P
Professor H.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Its About Time
Review by Professor H. on 07/17/20 review stating Its About Time
Before Cassius Clay, there was Jack Johnson. Proud, stubborn, defiantly black. Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson is American history on so many levels: race, sports, law, Jim Crow. Definitely a must see.
R
Rick
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Interesting history
Review by Rick on 07/17/20 review stating Interesting history
The power of confidence over resentment and discrimination drives this man on past his peak to loose a boxing match [which by any standard is to long] only to win our heart.
L
Lava1964
Anonymous User
4.0 star rating
07/17/20
Jack Johnson Biography Worth Watching
Review by Lava1964 on 07/17/20 review stating Jack Johnson Biography Worth Watching
Unforgivable Blackness is another typically excellent Ken Burns documentary. It is a compelling and not always sympathetic view of the career of the first black world heavyweight boxing champion. You dont have to be a boxing fan to appreciate Johnsons life story, but it helps.

Highlighted Customer Reviews

R
Rick reviewed Ken Burns: Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson DVD 2PK
5 star rating
Interesting history
Review by Rick review stating Interesting history
The power of confidence over resentment and discrimination drives this man on past his peak to loose a boxing match [which by any standard is to long] only to win our heart.
P
Professor H. reviewed Ken Burns: Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson DVD 2PK
5 star rating
Its About Time
Review by Professor H. review stating Its About Time
Before Cassius Clay, there was Jack Johnson. Proud, stubborn, defiantly black. Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson is American history on so many levels: race, sports, law, Jim Crow. Definitely a must see.
G
Ghostof G. reviewed Ken Burns: Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson DVD 2PK
5 star rating
The uncomparable soul of Jack
Review by Ghostof G. review stating The uncomparable soul of Jack
Im a boxing historian and fan. This DVD explain in great detail the fights Jack had to fight outside of the ring.
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