Coffy (1973) is an American blaxploitation film directed by Jack Hill and starring Pam Grier as a nurse who becomes a vigilante to avenge the death of her friend. The film is based on a story by Max Julien and is considered to be one of the most influential blaxploitation films of all time.
Director: Jack Hill: Foxy Brown (1974), The Big Bird Cage (1972), The Big Doll House (1971), Black Caesar (1973)
Writer: Max Julien: Friday Foster (1975), Cleopatra Jones (1973), The Mack (1973)
Release Date: July 19, 1973
Domestic Box Office: $14 million
Top 5 Cast:
- Pam Grier as Coffy
- Robert Forster as The Preacher
- William Elliott as Mac
- Bhupinder Singh as Bumpy Jonas
- Sid Haig as Gator
“This is the end of your rotten life, you motherfuckin’ dope pusher!” – Coffy
Critical Reviews:
- Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times gave the film 3 out of 4 stars, calling it “a stylish and violent thriller. Coffy is a stylish and violent thriller that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The film is beautifully shot and directed, and the performances are all excellent. Grier is particularly good as Coffy, bringing a toughness and determination to the role. Coffy is a must-see film for any fan of blaxploitation films.”
- Pauline Kael of The New Yorker called the film “a blaxploitation classic” and praised Grier’s performance. “Grier is perfectly cast as Coffy. She is a tough and determined woman who is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. The film is full of action and violence, but it also has a strong message about social justice. Coffy is a blaxploitation classic that is still relevant today.”
- Vincent Canby of The New York Times called the film “a stylish and violent thriller” but found it “to be ultimately unsatisfying. The film is beautifully photographed and directed, and Grier gives a strong performance. But the film never quite comes together, and the ending is ambiguous and unsatisfying.”
- David Denby of New York magazine called the film “a minor classic” and praised Grier’s performance. “Grier is perfectly cast as Coffy. She is a tough and determined woman who is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. The film is full of action and violence, but it also has a strong message about social justice. Coffy is a minor classic that is still enjoyable today.”
Cinematic Importance:Â Coffy is a significant film for several reasons. First, it is a well-made and well-acted film that tells a compelling story. Second, it is a groundbreaking film that helped to popularize the blaxploitation genre. Third, it launched the career of Pam Grier, who went on to star in many other films. Coffy is a classic film that is still enjoyed by audiences today.
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