Breakinger
A Brilliant Conflict
Brendon Jones
It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.
Freeman
This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity.
Diane Ruth
I remember vividly some beautiful cinematography by Jack A. Marta from the beginning of this film. It seemed breathtaking at the time and the fact that it was downhill fast from those first scenes was disappointing. A short while into the movie, that disappointment turned to disgust. Finally, I was outraged by how offensively insipid and incredibly infantile the story was. I couldn't take it anymore and this became one of perhaps three films of which I walked out. It was absolutely awful and more than I could take. Not only did it insult my intelligence, it was a desecration of cinema. The writing, direction, and acting were some the worst I've ever seen. I also remember that I was in a multiplex and I simply went into another theater rather than ask for my money back. I just wanted to escape as quickly as possible into something that would help me forget what I had just witnessed. The other movie was just starting and I stayed for the duration. I don't remember what it was or anything about it except it didn't turn my stomach. The Trial of Billy Jack made me physically ill.
AaronCapenBanner
Ambitious sequel to "Billy Jack" sees Billy going to Prison for four years after his manslaughter conviction. He does his best to adjust and cope. Meanwhile Jean Roberts(played again by Dolores Taylor) has led the freedom school to major success, greatly expanding its mission and resources, even containing a mini-TV station doing political exposes! This brings it to the attention again of town bigots who want it gone, especially after it reports on a nefarious scheme to kick Native American tribes off their land for re-development. Billy is finally released from prison just in time, as he is again forced to do battle with the villains, though with a different outcome... On the one hand, this film is in desperate need of editing, since nearly three hours long is far too much(lots of speeches). Still, the sheer audacity, ambition, and sincerity of this film is to be commended. Unjustly maligned, this is a worthy sequel, with a moving ending.
harleykids
I tried to sit through this movie when it was released in 1974. It was bad then, but it actually gets worse with time. So many "causes" and so many pure "untruths" that make this movie just a pathetic piece of liberal hogwash. I can't see how Tom and Delores can be any way proud of this work as time goes by. While watching, this reviewer want to get up and shake the actors and yell "wake up". It is obvious that the actors have had little if any training in their craft and most of the dialog is about as predictable as it gets. When Billy is released from prison and saves the day, the viewer has no doubt that another sequel is in the works. The Trial of Billy Jack is a perfect example of the idealism of many in the 1970's, and how naive many of us were at the time
Jay Trout
Everything the person who said made this movie "awful" makes it one of my favorites. If only people would have heeded some of the messages in this film years ago ... perhaps the USA would have progressed, and not regressed. Fascism continues to grip us by the throat, yet we do nothing, at best, or reward it, at worst. Time for a revolution. The hippies had it right all along. Bring 'em back!I love that this film is so "in your face." We need more like it. NOW. Actually there are a few documentaries that have come out in the last few years, but have not received the attention they deserve. I love the entire Billy Jack collection. It has been re-released in widescreen / 5.1 DVD. Only $40 for the box set. I highly recommend it.Come back Billy Jack, we need heroes like you. (Hopefully 2007 will see a new BJ film. See the Billy Jack web site. I bid you Peace, Love, and Understanding.
