Movies-Night Catches Us

Synopsis: In 1976, after years of mysterious absence, Marcus  returns to the Philadelphia neighborhood where he came of age in the midst of the Black Power movement. While his arrival raises suspicion among his family and former neighbors, he finds acceptance from his old friend Patricia and her daughter. However, Marcus quickly finds himself at odds with the organization he once embraced, whose members suspect he orchestrated the slaying of their former comrade-in-arms. In a startling sequence of events, Marcus must protect a secret that could shatter everyone's beliefs as he rediscovers his forbidden passion for Patricia.


Anyone who reads my blog or has any connection to me knows that I am an indy film junkie. I love indy movies because the passion from the charactes is utterly amazing and sends chills up my spine....This movie was great...shorter than I thought it would be though! I have to give much respect for first time director Tanya Hamilton a beautiful Black woman who wrote and directed this film. The soundtrack for this movie is one of the best soundtracks I have ever heard in a movie. I am still debating between Slumdog's soundtrak and this one! The music is a mixture of soul, blues, and hip hop courtesy of Philly's own The Roots. 
 
This film is based on a cast of characters who all had or still have involvment in the Black Panther Party.  The charaters have changed and some have grew out of the movement which breeds some resentment and emotions amongst everyone.  Anthony Mackie is brilliant in this film, he is very intense and serious throughout the film and you can actually feel the love he has for Kerry Washington even though he never mentions it.  Kerry Washington is very sweet in the movie but she has a sterness when it comes to old ideas of the party because she is not with them anymore. Kerry Washington is also a loving mother and community lawyer who helps individuals with their cases, feeds children in the community, while also being a loving and protective mother. Even though Kerry isn't with the Panthers anymore she still embodies many of their beliefs about giving back to the community. One of my favorite scenes in the movie is when Kerry and Anthony let down their walls and actually make love. The love scene is so beautiful and romantic that you forget all the serious issues that are happening in the movie.
 
If you have not seen this movie then you should make your way to the theater and check it out. Firstly, the director and cast is all Black so we should support our Black film makers who are actually making film, secondly, the movie is fantastic and the actors/actresses are moving, thirdly the soundtrack is dope and you will be jamming in the movies.
 

Peace

Movie Madness: City of God

Ok I don't even know where to start..But this is one of the best movies that I have ever seen!! If you are into indy and foreign movies this movie is a must see!! Cidade de De aka City of God is a housing project in Rio de Janeiro that was ran by drug lords.  This movie spans through three decades of boys/men trying to be the "King" of the drug world in City of God. The main character is Buscape who is a photographer who is afraid to end up like the people that surrounds him and he tells the story of countless people who were involved in the drug trade. This movie will have your mouth open and begging the movie to keep going because you will not want it to end. The actors in the movie are beautiful, they act with passion!!  An added bonus of the movie is the music which is a mix of African and Brazilian beats which makes the movie even more dramatic!! I would love to tell the whole plot of the movie but I can't becaue I am urging people to watch this movie!! This movie will show people a different side of the Brazil which is known for its beautiful beaches, great music, food, and of course its people! These people are not the people that tourists see these are the actual struggles for many people living in Brazil! The director of City of God did a fantastic job showing the gritty side of a beautiful place! 

Women are the Niggers of the World...Osama

I am a big fan of indy movies especially foreign films! Today I watched the movie Osama which is a stunning yet sad movie about a family of women who are poor and makes their 12 year old daughter dress as a boy to get a job.  The story is simple, the actors had no experience yet this movie has touched me deeply.  The actors who acted in this movie were inspiring because they had witnessed evilness of the Taliban and they still hurt from the after effects. The Taliban had no respect for women at all and this movie can not even begin to show the heartless things that these men did to these innoncent women and children. One of the scenes in the movie I will never forget is when Osama's mother is on a bike and her feet are showing and the Taliban stops her and tell her men will be aroused and that she should cover her feet! Wow...It sounds minor but when you watch this scene of the movie you are brought to tears... Siddiq Barmak did a wonderful and brave job showcasing the evilness of the Taliban regime.  When the Taliban were in power all movies were banned and this was the first movie to be made in Afghanistan after the Taliban were removed from power.  If you are looking for a great movie watch that has inspirational actors and a great theme Osama is the movie for you.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLMnB6OeJgU&feature=search