MLK/FBI (2021): Ratings & Box Office
MLK/FBI is a 2021 documentary directed by Samuel D. Pollard. It runs 1 hour 44 minutes and earned $91,833 worldwide. Critics gave it 98% on Rotten Tomatoes and 81 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.0/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 44m (104 min)
- Director
- Samuel D. Pollard
- Genre
- Documentary
- Original language
-
English
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is MLK/FBI About?
The premise of MLK/FBI without spoilers.
This gripping documentary explores a hidden aspect of Martin Luther King Jr.'s fight for civil rights: the intense and prolonged surveillance he endured from the FBI. Through archival footage and expert analysis, the film reveals how J. Edgar Hoover's personal biases and fears drove the bureau's relentless pursuit of King, monitoring his activities and associates. It offers a revealing look at a controversial chapter in American history and the complex relationship between the government and a pivotal leader.
MLK/FBI Themes & Keywords
· 40 tags- civil rights era
- fbi harassment
- suppressing dissent
- surveillance
- abuse of power
- federal law enforcement
- government corruption
- democrat
- political repression
- political oppression
- american history
- 1950s
+28 more Show fewer
- 1960s
- cointelpro
- african american interest
- civil rights movement
- police surveillance
- archive footage
- tapping a phone
- character assassination
- unjust surveillance
- government surveillance
- confidential informant
- dirty trick
- wiretapping
- racism
- race relations
- assassination
- house unamerican activities committee
- infiltrator
- oppression
- repression
- fbi federal bureau of investigation
- reference to j. edgar hoover
- reference to lyndon b. johnson
- reference to martin luther king jr.
- history documentary
- anti communism
- red baiting
- anti left
The Director of MLK/FBI
Directed by Samuel D. Pollard.
-
Director Samuel D. Pollard
MLK/FBI Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave MLK/FBI 98% on Rotten Tomatoes and 81 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.0/10. Our Echo Score gives it 75/100, strongest in character & emotion (82) and weakest in rewatch factor (60).
MLK/FBI Echo Score Breakdown
The film delivers a rigorous examination of the FBI’s campaign against Martin Luther King Jr. through a sequence of archival materials. Critics praised its focused narrative and factual rigor, while users noted the thorough documentation and occasional pacing issues. The reliance on evidence-based storytelling foregoes dramatic embellishment yet underscores systemic overreach. Although some viewers found the approach slow, it succeeds in prompting critical reflection on historical accountability.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 78
In terms of art and craft, the film exhibits disciplined direction and a restrained visual palette. Critics highlighted the well-curated archival footage and clear editing that maintains clarity. Some viewers, however, found the pacing of transitions and the absence of contemporary interviews created an overly linear rhythm. Overall, the production’s visual assembly remains coherent yet occasionally feels overly methodical.
- Character & Emotion 82
When it comes to character depth and emotional resonance, the film relies on archival voices to evoke Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring presence. Critics commended the emotional weight carried by original recordings and context-rich documents. Some users missed personal interviews that might offer fresh insights. Ultimately, the film sustains a respectful portrayal, though emotional engagement varies by viewer familiarity with the subject.
- Story & Flow 70
In terms of story and flow, the documentary presents a clear chronology of the FBI’s surveillance efforts. Critics appreciated its focused structure and informative sequencing, while some users described the pacing as deliberate to the point of sluggishness. The film’s factual approach maintains coherence but can feel exhaustive in its thorough retracing of events.
- Sensory Experience 72
In terms of sensory experience, the film utilizes archival audio and historical footage with minimal embellishment. Critics noted the uniform sound design and cohesive visual style, while some viewers found the lack of modern sound elements or score diminished dynamism. Overall, the presentation remains consistent but offers limited sensory variation beyond the raw materials.
- Rewatch Factor 60
Regarding rewatch factor, the documentary’s strength lies in its archival depth and historical context. Critics suggested it serves as a valuable reference, yet some users indicated the exhaustive detail and static format limit replay appeal. While the film holds appeal for audiences interested in systemic analysis, its repetitive structure may reduce incentive for subsequent viewings.
-
IMDb 7.0 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 98% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 66%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 81 Metascore
User score 6.1
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 69% User score
See on TMDB -
Movie Insider 3.0 /5
See on Movie Insider
MLK/FBI Box Office
MLK/FBI grossed $91,833 worldwide. $45,200 came from the US and Canada and $46,633 (51%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$91.8K
- US & Canada
- $45.2K
- International
- $46.6K
MLK/FBI Trailers & Videos
2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 featurette.
- Featurette PFF29 Q&A | MLK / FBI
Seen MLK/FBI?
Movies Like MLK/FBI
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Citizen King, J. Edgar and I Am MLK Jr..
-
Citizen King 2004 -
J. Edgar 2011 -
I Am MLK Jr. 2018 -
(T)error 2015 -
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Historical Perspective 1994 -
The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution 2015 -
King 1978 -
Underground 1976 -
The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975 2011 -
Selma 2014 -
King in the Wilderness 2018 -
The Private Files of J. Edgar Hoover 1977
MLK/FBI FAQ: Box Office, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of MLK/FBI, each answered in a sentence.
How long is MLK/FBI?
MLK/FBI runs 1 hour 44 minutes (104 minutes).
When was MLK/FBI released?
MLK/FBI was released on January 15, 2021.
Who directed MLK/FBI?
MLK/FBI was directed by Samuel D. Pollard.
More films by Samuel D. Pollard How much did MLK/FBI make at the box office?
MLK/FBI grossed $91,833 worldwide ($45,200 domestic, $46,633 international).
How is MLK/FBI rated?
MLK/FBI has 7.0/10 on IMDb, 98% on Rotten Tomatoes, 81 on Metacritic and 69% on TMDB.
Does MLK/FBI have a post-credit scene?
No. MLK/FBI has no extra scene during or after the credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
