The Real Deal: What It Is (2003): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2003, The Real Deal: What It Is is a documentary film directed by Melvin Van Peebles, running about 22 minutes.

What it’s about. This twenty-two minute interview with Melvin Van Peebles has the cult filmmaker starting things off by lighting a cigar, which is something he has done in several interviews. From here he talks about the making of his hit film SWEET SWEETBACK'S BAADASSSSS SONG, which of course broke all sorts of records and is what would kick start the blaxploitation genre. If you're a fan of the film or the director then you should enjoy this featurette, which tries to have a raw look like the film in question, although the effect here is a bit lame. With that said, there are still some very good stories told including one about a STD Van Peebles got during one of the scenes in the film. He talks about a few specific scenes in the picture as well as the now infamous one featuring his son in a sex scene. There's nothing ground-breaking here but it's certainly an entertaining interview.

Who’s in it. The Real Deal: What It Is stars Melvin Van Peebles as Himself.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Real Deal: What It Is page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Real Deal: What It Is tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.