Carrying on from yesterday’s Three Books Everyone Should Read, I’d like to start the weekend with Three Movies Everyone Should Watch. Saturday evening might be just the time to sit with your family and feel energised, moved and mentally re-invigorated!
1. Precious.
This film is not for the faint of heart. Incredibly gruelling to watch, the movie centres upon the life of 16-year-old Claireece Precious Jones in Harlem with her dysfunctional and abusive mother who has long subjected her to physical, mental and sexual abuse. Set in 1987, the movie is tough viewing but a beautiful example of strength and endurance. I certainly came away feeling inspired.
2. Africa United
This film is quite ingenious and perfect to watch with the children. Focussing on a group of African children, the movie manages to tackle HIV AIDS in a serious way whilst maintaining a light, humorous adventure film set in the backdrop of the 2010 South Africa World Cup. Heart warming and perfect ‘edutainment’ for the family.
3. In Pursuit of Happiness
When it comes to a tale of a black man who has risen from extreme hardship to achievement. This is one of those films that if you haven’t seen it, I almost don’t want to give anything away. I can guarantee you that you will be clapping and crying simultaneously by the end of this one. Beautifully inspirational.
At a glance:
If you’re new to black cinema, start with these.
1. Guess Whose Coming to Dinner?:
So many films have drawn from the dynamics of this classic movie that it sometimes goes unforgotten as the ‘godfather’ of race relations and interracial complexities. This 1957 film starred Katherine Hepburn and Sidney Poitier. A timeless must watch.
2. Boyz In The Hood:
Directed by Spike Lee and starring Cuba Gooding Jnr, this masterful (and ground-breaking) piece of cinema explores the realities of three young black teenagers living in the South Central LA as they consider their prospects.
3. Coming To America:
Yes, this film was hilariously funny with Eddie Murphy doing what he does best. Still, don’t be fooled by the clever quips and sharp wit; this film was pioneering in confronting racism and the migrant experience in a light-humoured but very relevant way.
4. Jungle Fever:
Directed by Spike Lee and starring Samuel. L Jackson, Ruby Dee. Inspired by the complexities (including post-colonialist mentality, interracial relationships and racism) surrounding Yusuf K. Hawkins, the black teenager killed by a white mob, this was a game-changer.
5. The Color Purple:
Directed by Steven Spielberg this is a pioneering 1985 film (based on Alice Walkers award winning book) starring Danny Glover, Oprah Winfrey and a young Whoopi Goldberg. The film is a soul-stirring portrayal of life during the slavery era, exploring sexual abuse, domestic violence, rape, and notions of sisterhood in a way that we had never seen before.
Join me tomorrow for Day 11 of Diahanne’s Daily Tributes: Black History Month.
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Dr. Diahanne Rhiney's Blog 