

Deacons for Defense
2005, English. Directed by Bill Duke.
Inspired by a true story, this drama is set in 1965, not long after passage of the Civil Rights Act. Despite the Act, the African-American citizens of Bogalusa are still treated like third-class citizens, their fundamental rights as human beings persistently trampled by the white power structure, in general, and the local branch of the KKK. The story follows the formation of local black men, particularly ex-war veterans who after the struggles become too overbearing organizes the group, "Deacons for defense", an all-black defense group dedicated to patrolling the black section of town and protecting its residents from the more violent aspects of "white backlash."
- Runtime
- 1h 35m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- Check local
Start now and it ends at ….
Too new to call
Not enough people have rated it yet for a verdict.
Seen it? Give your verdict.
Saved privately on this device.
Where to watch Deacons for Defense
Deacons for Defense is streaming on Amazon Prime Video and fuboTV in India.
Availability in India as of 9 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
Details
- Released
- 5 April 2005
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Richard Wesley, Frank Military, Michael D'Antonio
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
What Deacons for Defense is based on
Deacons for Defense is based on a true story.
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
If you liked Deacons for Defense

Girl in the Box
2016 · 6.7/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers

Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight
2013 · 6.4/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers

The Great Debaters
2007 · 7.3/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers

Son of the South
2021 · 6.5/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers

The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain
2021 · 7.3/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers

Skin
2009 · 6.4/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers

To Kill a Mockingbird
1962 · 8.0/10
Absolute CinemaRecommended by TMDB viewers

Trees of Peace
2021 · 7.2/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers

Disgrace
2008 · 6.2/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers

Glory
1989 · 7.5/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
Deacons for Defense: quick answers
Is Deacons for Defense worth watching?
Deacons for Defense doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is Deacons for Defense?
Deacons for Defense runs 95 minutes (1h 35m).
Does Deacons for Defense have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Deacons for Defense. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Deacons for Defense parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for Deacons for Defense yet.
Which OTT platform is Deacons for Defense on?
Deacons for Defense is streaming on Amazon Prime Video and fuboTV in India. (Checked 9 November 2026.)
What movies are like Deacons for Defense?
If you liked Deacons for Defense, try Girl in the Box, Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight, The Great Debaters.
Who directed Deacons for Defense?
Deacons for Defense (2005) was directed by Bill Duke and stars Forest Whitaker, Jonathan Silverman, Chris Britton.
What is Deacons for Defense based on?
Deacons for Defense is based on a true story.