My Favorite Films with a Predominately Black Cast

Submitted by shan2001 on Thu, 07/14/2005 - 09:12
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  1. Note: I didn't want to say "Good Black films" because you inevitably drift into the "what constitutes a Black film" territory. Also, my general disclaimer applies to movies also: I'm not a critic or expert; I like what I like; and I don't watch NEARLY as many films as some here, especially independents & earlier films. I know there are TONS not listed that could be; and some that I really need to see that I haven't.
  2. Eve's Bayou (1997; Kasi Lemmons): Still my favorite Black film ever. This film was beautiful to watch; gorgeous colors & scenery. Excellent acting, great storyline. An all-around good, solid film. Highly disappointed by the lack of attention this film continues to receive.

  3. Malcolm X (1992; Spike Lee): Spike Lee at the top of his game. An astounding performance by possibly, the most skilled actor of our time. Denzel becomes Malcolm X in this film (and was truly robbed of the Oscar for this role); and Spike Lee shines as a skilled, deliberate filmmaker. And the way the film was made; 10 years trying with Spike's own cash and donations from Black people, just made the film so much more poignant. This movie was very necessary and important.

  4. A Raisin in the Sun (1961; Daniel Petrie): A great adaptation of the play with stellar performances by Sidney Poitier and the other cast members. A realistic family with realistic problems; and plenty of subtle humor.

  5. Set it Off (1997; F. Gary Gray): Such a good, intriguing film. Made heart-wrenching and real by the superb performances of Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett, Kimberly Elise, and Vivica Fox (pre-surgery). I remember when everyone would swear that Queen Latifah was a real-life lesbian- that's how convincing she was in this role. Oscar material, she was! :-p But these kinds of films are usually (and sometimes unfairly) ignored when people look for "quality". The no-contest best of the "ghetto dramas". (Not to mention, I LOVE a grand total of FIVE songs from the soundtrack; and that's a LOT for me!)

  6. Hotel Rwanda (2004; Terry George): What can you say about this film that hasn't already been said? Excellent performance by Don Cheadle; excellent story with excellent lessons to be learned. A powerful, meaningful film; will often stun you to tears.

  7. Beloved (1998; Jonathan Demme): I don't understand the negative reaction to this film! No, it wasn't as good as the book, but how many movies are? And how can you realistically expect one to be? Perhaps I'm biased because I saw the film before reading the book; but I think Demme and Oprah did a fantastic job with Morrison's work here. Oprah Winfrey is an intense, skilled actress and isn't afraid to play an "ugly" role. You can really see and appreciate the passion she put into this role and into this film. Thandie Newton's interpretation of Beloved was definitely interesting to say the least, and I can appreciate the challenges and creativity put into making Beloved real. The only negative review I've read where I truly thought the reviewer understood both film & book and was objective was one in which the reviewer's complaint was the treatment of the male characters. But if Demme & Winfrey had fleshed out the men, how much longer would the film had been? But it was the only negative review that I felt was just & informed.

  8. What's Love Got to Do With It (1993; Brian Gibson): Recently, we've celebrated our "first" Best Actress Oscar Winner, with Halle Berry's performance in Monster's Ball. But I think if we were gonna have a "first" and if it had to come post-1990; it should have gone to Angela Bassett for this role. Like Denzel as Malcolm X, Bassett becomes Tina Turner in this film. She is a highly underrated actress altogether, and I would LOVE to see some of these roles that are going to Halle Berry go to Mrs. Bassett. She is a gifted, capable actress. Laurence Fishbourne shines also.

  9. Do The Right Thing (1989: Spike Lee) : A very colorful, masterful film. Spike Lee furhter showcases his talent as a deliberate filmmaker, conscious of each and every scene. A great "portrait" film.

  10. The Color Purple (1985; Steven Spielberg): It's a classic. What more to say? :-p If you haven't seen this, shame on you. I am really surprised and pleased at Spielberg's treatment of Black woman subjectivity.

  11. Sankofa (1993; Haile Gerima): Very beautiful, powerful film. Extremely passionate-- everyone should see this also. It may be off-putting or brutal to some, but you can appreciate this movie for so many different things: the artistry, the story, the acting, the images, the sound. A truly great film.

  12. The Josephine Baker Story (1991; Brian Gibson): This was made for TV, I believe. But Lynn Whitfield is excellent as Josephine Baker. Really affecting and effective in a way that was 100% NOT working for Halle Berry in the Dorothy Dandridge story. Whitfield is another highly skilled, overlooked, severely underappreciated actress.

  13. Life (1999; Ted Demme) Bad taste, I know, but this movie was funny and touching to me. Sometimes you don't want a lot of food for thought, and this film is one of the better Black films that lack deep, heavy subject matter and appeals to a mass audience. I think this is my favorite performance by Martin Lawrence in a film.

  14. Bamboozled (2000; Spike Lee)
  15. Bad Boys (1995; Michael Bay)
  16. Soul Food (1997; George Tillman Jr.)
  17. Badassss! (2004; Mario van Peebles)
Author Comments: 

I'll finish my commentaries on the last few films later.