Disclaimer - I'm a white guy. I was a kid when this movie came out.Watching it today, it is ripe for ridicule:In only 10 minutes of watching this film, I have seen a black pimp treat black hookers poorly, while he's "dating" a white girl. A black woman even takes exception to this in a Chinese restaurant, chastising him and degrading her AND harassing the Asian restaurant owner.Were there any "black" films of the 1970's, that had any redeeming value ? And what about black films today ? I realize this film is a stereotypical view of black life in the hood. But, it should be used as a benchmark for black people, to push themselves away from this garbage and lifestyle. If you compare this to the Asian population - look at how stereotyped this movie portrays the Asian man - a Chinese restaurant owner with broken English. And look in 43 years' time, where Asians are now. They have worked hard, studied, improved themselves, and stopped making excuses (if they ever did) and have become a very successful and productive part of our society. This movie is just a sad reminder of how little things have changed for some in 4 decades.

This movie is a classic of blaxploitation movies. It's also a must see for crime movies fans because it's theme is not so frequent in a crime movies and I can't understand why because pimping is one of the most popular criminal activities. I've seen some other films about pimps but there a pimping wasn't a main theme. This movie is all about a pimping. There are many interesting dialogs and monologues and also a discussions about pimping. Max Julien did great as a Goldie. I also liked Richard Pryor's performance but he didn't get much of a show. So if you are crime movies fan you must see this film because it's one of a few which talks about pimping so openly.

The Mack is a black history film. It is not blackploitation, no more than religious is. The Macks are the vanguards of society, still today. However, today The Mack is more nomadic, than based on community. So you see the demise of the black community, since it is being based on religious exploitation. Eminant domain has been reintroduced to rescue the land from the religious tax-exempt exploiters. The Mack is the bedrock of society, covering greater expanses through the media. Entertainment is the largest industry in the world, second to none. The Mack represents the right side of the brain, psychologically speaking. There are more people making money on 'Toys R Us' than 'Toys Are Us', it's about academia and religion versus free thinkers and independents, with the corruption being used by those who defend religion and academia. You must be able to see the story, behind the story. It's not immoral to be a Mack and be independent of religious, judicial and academic institutions. It's immoral to be a part of religious, judicial and academic instutions and be Macks, hence hypocrisy.

If you want to look at the orgins of the so called "blaxploitation" movies of the 1970's, then look no further than "The Mack", as one of the forerunners. This movie explored the world of the street PIMP, which during that time, in the black community, was actually a quasi respected way of making a living. Up until that time, PIMPS were just accepted in the black community, however, this movie sort of "glorified" PIMPING, and gave it some twisted form of respectability. Not that PIMPS were looked upon as leaders in the community, on the contrary, they were not. However, with their flashy clothes, cars, and high end living, theirs was a profession that was envied by many. Men wanted to live out their fantasies of having multiple women, and PIMPS provided this escape. As far as the movie, for the time period, it was good. If you look at it 30 years after, you have to put it into perspective for the period. Max Julien is Goldie, a petty thief who turns to PIMPING upon his release from prison. Richard Pryor is his loyal sidekick, Slim, and together they go from the bottom to the top of the PIMP game. Along the way, you see the Goldie has a heart, it was is really a heartless business. Of course you have your crooked white cops and some other hilarious PIMPS. (NOTE: Some real live PIMP'S were also used in this movie, so it does have some degree of authenticity) Roger E. Mosley does a great job as Goldie's brother who is against everything that Goldie stands for.If you are interested in PIMPING, then this is a must see movie.