Black Cinema: 4 More Classics That Are Must See's
Where would black cinema be today if t hadn’t been for the classics that paved the way for further melanin movie magic? Here are 5 more classics that do it masterfully.
1. Set It Off:
(1996) The quintessential sister-girlfriend film stars: Jada Pinkett Smith, Vivica A Fox, Queen Latifah, and Kimberly Elise serving as a major launchpad for all four actresses’ careers. This film follows crucial moments in the lives of four friends whose names have now become iconic in Black culture: Frankie, Cleo, Stony, and TT. When we meet these women we see each of their financial and socio-economic struggles. Until they decide to become instance criminals by way of multiple bank robberies. I mean, you don’t get much closer than committing a federal offense together right? You can imagine the mayhem that ensues. Though it can’t be said their careers as serial criminals in this film are long-lasting, we can say their sisterhood and solidarity are impenetrable throughout.
2. Poetic Justice
(1993) There’s a reason why the "Poetic Justice braids" are still iconic and the sorely-missed director John Singleton is a big part in this. Directed by the recently deceased Singleton, this romantic drama follows the journey of a young, depressed hairstylist named Justice played by Janet Jackson who writes poetry (that are actually poems written by Maya Angelou) to cope with the loss of her recently murdered boyfriend. She soon finds herself on a cross-country road trip with her best friend Iesha (played by Regina King), her boyfriend Chicago (played by Joe Torry) and his rough-around-the-edges friend, Lucky (played by Tupac Shakur). Although Justice and Lucky initially bump heads, they find themselves confronted with the question of if they’ve gotten a second chance at love, and are they ready? Full of memorable scenes, songs and (hello!) the beauty of two of our cultures most beloved music artists, this is a must-watch film that is a testimony to black love and the beauty of healing and loving again.
3. Coming to America
(1988) Before there was Black Panther, there was Coming To America. This film has truly had an undeniable lasting effect on black culture. Starring (a very young) Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall there’s an abundance of classic scenes and lines from this movie that are still quoted today. Literally, every Halloween since the movies’ debut the film’s characters are depicted at parties around the world. Where to even begin with this one? From the costumes to singing “She’s Your Queen” in the highest octave to Eddie Murphy’s terrible African accent— there’s so many memorable moments from this film? Eddie Murphy gives a superb performance as Prince Akeem the super-wealthy prince from Zamunda who has come to America in search of his queen. The only problem is his parent’s weren’t trying to hear that at all. And so, naturally, he defies them and falls in love with an American woman who has no idea her new love interest is actual African royalty—he even has his own currency. This film’s effect on black culture has been nothing short of iconic. It was a major career boost for Eddie Murphy (and his first time depicting multiple characters in one film) and debuted at a time where we desperately needed positive depictions of black men and women. If you’ve haven’t seen this classic you’re truly missing out. And if you have, four words: let your soul glow.
4. Boys N The Hood
(1991) Yet another classic by John Singleton, this film is chock full of timeless life lessons applicable to any young person growing up in the hood. The main character Tre (played by a BABY Cuba Gooding Jr) is sent to live with his father (played by Lawrence Fishburne) who tries to steer his son in a positive direction and away from the streets. Tre finds himself torn between the advice of his father, the encouragement of his girlfriend Brandi (played by Nia Long) and the peer pressure his friends Doughboy (Ice Cube) and Ricky (Morris Chestnut). Some the events of this film are a sad but poignant reminder of the value in listening to our elders while battling the demons that still exist in many cities and particularly for our youth in Black America.
Though the list could go on, these are definitely the top films that have shaped my childhood and were instrumental in shaping how I viewed Black life and art.
