Written by Crystal Tyson on February 23, 2020.
There are movies that win Oscars and then there are CLASSIC movies. Classic movies are those distinguished films or unique works of cinema that have transcended time and trends - impacting our culture as well as our communities. Black History Month has arrived! I wanted to celebrate these beautiful 29 days (thanks Leap Year) with you by presenting 29 movies in black cinema you should (MUST) watch.
Disclaimer: There are so many amazing Black films in the world but please remember I only have 29 days for an endless amount of Black excellence! These are movies that impacted my life whether it be making me laugh, think, cry, or shout! Although we've placed the synopsis of each film, it may suit you best to watch the trailer provided.
Feb 23: Antoine Fisher
(Drama/Romance; Rated PG - 13) - The touching story of a sailor (Derek Luke) who, prone to violent outbursts, is sent to a naval psychiatrist (Denzel Washington) for help. Refusing at first to open up, the young man eventually breaks down and reveals a horrific childhood. Through the guidance of his new doctor, he confronts his painful past and begins a quest to find the family he never knew.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07abvJI0VFI
Feb 24: Coming To America
(Drama/Romance; Rated R) - Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy) is the prince of a wealthy African country and wants for nothing, except a wife who will love him in spite of his title. To escape an arranged marriage, Akeem flees to America accompanied by his persnickety sidekick, Semmi (Arsenio Hall), to find his queen. Disguised as a foreign student working in fast food, he romances Lisa (Shari Headley), but struggles with revealing his true identity to her and his marital intentions to his king father (James Earl Jones).
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFroCRDXw5E
Feb 25: The Wiz
(Fantasy/Advernture; Rated G) - When Harlem schoolteacher Dorothy (Diana Ross) tries to save her dog from a storm, she's miraculously whisked away to an urban fantasy land called Oz. After accidentally killing the Wicked Witch of the East upon her arrival, Dorothy is told about the Wiz (Richard Pryor), a wizard who can help her get back to Manhattan. As Dorothy goes in search of the Wiz, she's joined by the Scarecrow (Michael Jackson), the Tin Man (Nipsey Russell) and the Cowardly Lion (Ted Ross).
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGtnHaEK66s
Feb 26: The Color Purple
(Historical period drama; Rated PG - 13) - An epic tale spanning forty years in the life of Celie (Whoopi Goldberg), an African-American woman living in the South who survives incredible abuse and bigotry. After Celie's abusive father marries her off to the equally debasing "Mister" Albert Johnson (Danny Glover), things go from bad to worse, leaving Celie to find companionship anywhere she can. She perseveres, holding on to her dream of one day being reunited with her sister in Africa. Based on the novel by Alice Walker.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzGrDgu08r8
Feb 27: The Help
(Drama/Historical period drama; Rated PG-13) - In 1960s Mississippi, Southern society girl Skeeter (Emma Stone) returns from college with dreams of being a writer. She turns her small town on its ear by choosing to interview the black women who have spent their lives taking care of prominent white families. Only Aibileen (Viola Davis), the housekeeper of Skeeter's best friend, will talk at first. But as the pair continue the collaboration, more women decide to come forward, and as it turns out, they have quite a lot to say.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOTkNsxhECY
Feb 28: Rosewood
(History/Drama; Rated R) - Rosewood, Florida, is a small, peaceful town with an almost entirely African-American population of middle-class homeowners, until New Year's Day 1923, when a lynch mob from a neighboring white community storms the town. Among the carnage, music teacher Sylvester (Don Cheadle) and mysterious stranger Mann (Ving Rhames) stand tall against the invaders, while white grocer John (Jon Voight) attempts to save the town's women and children. The film is based on a true story.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veXzhAxlvxw
Feb 29: Do The Right Thing
(Drama/Comedy; Rated R) - Salvatore "Sal" Fragione (Danny Aiello) is the Italian owner of a pizzeria in Brooklyn. A neighborhood local, Buggin' Out (Giancarlo Esposito), becomes upset when he sees that the pizzeria's Wall of Fame exhibits only Italian actors. Buggin' Out believes a pizzeria in a black neighborhood should showcase black actors, but Sal disagrees. The wall becomes a symbol of racism and hate to Buggin' Out and to other people in the neighborhood, and tensions rise.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muc7xqdHudI
Celebrating Black Film - Part 1
Celebrating Black Film - Part 2
Celebrating Black Film - Part 3
