Written by Crystal Tyson on February 9, 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 9: Higher Learning
(Drama/Crime; Rated R) - In John Singleton's powerful portrait of college life in the 1990s, a group of incoming freshmen at Columbus University – including varsity athlete Malik Williams (Omar Epps), awkward outcast Remy (Michael Rapaport) and wide-eyed Kristen Connor (Kristy Swanson) -- struggle to find themselves and adjust to newfound independence. When Remy finds acceptance among a group of neo-Nazis, tensions rise even higher on a campus already divided along racial, socio-economic and gender lines.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4KVCVX1MrQ
Feb 10: I'm Gonna Git You Sucka
(Blaxploitation/Action; Rated R) - Jack Spade (Keenen Ivory Wayans) comes home to the ghetto and finds his brother dead from a gold chain overdose. With the help of his hero, John Slade (Bernie Casey), and a team of washed-up crime fighters, Spade declares vengeance on Mr. Big (John Vernon), the white crime leader responsible for selling gold chains on the streets. But Spade realizes that he must take matters into his own hands to finish the job in this zany spoof of 1970s blaxploitation films.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BddDCZwWkw0
Feb 11: Ray
(Drama/Musical; Rated PG-13)- Legendary soul musician Ray Charles is portrayed by Jamie Foxx in this Oscar-winning biopic. Young Ray watches his 7-year-old brother drown at age seven. When he loses his sight at the age of 9, his hardworking mother (Sharon Warren) urges him not to feel sorry for himself. He rises through the ranks of the Seattle jazz scene, struggling with drug addiction and infidelity while on the road. Supported by his wife (Kerry Washington), Ray Charles redefines soul music and inspires a generation.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVHCQfcugdw
Feb 12: 42
(Sport/Drama; Rated PG-13) - In 1946, Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford), legendary manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, defies major league baseball's notorious color barrier by signing Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman) to the team. The heroic act puts both Rickey and Robinson in the firing line of the public, the press and other players. Facing open racism from all sides, Robinson demonstrates true courage and admirable restraint by not reacting in kind and lets his undeniable talent silence the critics for him.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9RHqdZDCF0
Feb 13: Black Panther
(Fantasy/Sci-fi; Rated PG-13) - After the death of his father, T'Challa returns home to the African nation of Wakanda to take his rightful place as king. When a powerful enemy suddenly reappears, T'Challa's mettle as king -- and as Black Panther -- gets tested when he's drawn into a conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vt9UZo32KMk
Feb 14: Love & Basketball
(Drama/Sport; Rated PG-13) - Monica (Sanaa Lathan) and Quincy (Omar Epps) are two childhood friends who both aspire to be professional basketball players. Quincy, whose father, Zeke (Dennis Haysbert), plays for the Los Angeles Clippers, is a natural talent and a born leader. Monica is ferociously competitive but sometimes becomes overly emotional on the court. Over the years, the two begin to fall for each other, but their separate paths to basketball stardom threaten to pull them apart.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ur83i6_BjbE
Feb 15: Fruitvale Station
(Drama/Crime; Rated R) - Though he once spent time in San Quentin, 22-year-old black man Oscar Grant (Michael B. Jordan) is now trying hard to live a clean life and support his girlfriend (Melonie Diaz) and young daughter (Ariana Neal). Flashbacks reveal the last day in Oscar's life, in which he accompanied his family and friends to San Francisco to watch fireworks on New Year's Eve, and, on the way back home, became swept up in an altercation with police that ended in tragedy. Based on a true story.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkDr6RmQnOU
Celebrating Black Film - Part 1
Celebrating Black Film - Part 3
Celebrating Black Film - Part 4
