Attack the Block: ‘Underrated’ John Boyega film ‘finally’ being recognised following actor’s protest speech

One of John Boyega‘s films is receiving an overwhelming amount of praise following his speech at a Black Lives Matter protest in London.

The British actor has received mass support after delivering a tearful speech in Hyde Park referencing police involvement in the deaths of George Floyd, Sandra Bland and Trayvon Martin in the US, as well as the death of Stephen Lawrence in the UK.

“I need you to understand how painful this s*** is,” he said. “I need you to understand how painful it is to be reminded every day that your race means nothing.”

Industry figures, including actor-directors Jordan Peele, Oliva Wilde and Elizabeth Banks, began tweeting their support for the Star Wars actor after he told the crowd: "I’m speaking to you from my heart. Look, I don’t know if I’m going to have a career after this, but f*** that.”

But, Twitter was also filled with posts recommending the 2011 thriller Attack the Block, which he starred in alongside Jodie Whittaker and Nick Frost.

“if you somehow haven’t seen it, do seek it out,” one Twitter user wrote, adding: “Dark sci-fi with John Boyega in a powerhouse leading role from a poor, black, British perspective, one that forces you to reassess your initial assumptions as to who the heroes are.”

Another user dubbed it ”undoubtedly one of the most underrated movies of the past decade”, with one adding: “It took almost a decade, but I’m glad Attack the Block is finally trending and its audience growing.”

“On top of its great social commentary and satire regarding black British culture, it has John Boyega and Jodie Whittaker teaming up in a crossover that is so awesome the multiverse would explode,” another user wrote.

Twitter user @chasinglux co-organised a viewing party for the film via PlutoTV, writing: “If you’ve never seen it, you’re missing out. Coming of age sci-fi story from a black, British perspective.”

Attack the Block, directed by Joe Cornish, was a box office failure upon its release, but generated a cult fanbase years later.

The film is currently available to stream on All 4.