In honor of Black history month, celebrating African-American films is an absolute must. African-Americans have helped create timeless movies that portray the African-American community. Here is a small list of unforgettable African-American films that are must-sees.
“Sparkle” (1976)
Inspired by The Supremes, this movie is classic piece that takes place in Harlem, New York during the 1950s. “Sparkle” tells the story of three talented sisters who make it big in the music industry but struggle with the alcohol and drugs that come along with the glitz and glamour. Lead singer Sparkle, played by Irene Cara, has the beauty and the body, but not quite the brains, when it comes to men and depressants. This movie will have you weeping in your seat by the time it’s over. “Sparkle” was remade in 2012 with leading star Jordan Sparks and the late Whitney Houston.
“The Color Purple” (1985)
Filmed in North Carolina, this film, directed by renowned producer Steven Spielberg and produced by Quincy Jones, is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and stars Danny Glover, Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg. This movie tells the story of a young African-American girl named Celie who faces a lifetime of racism, poverty and sexism. But with the help of two strong females, she’s able to overcome her hardships and value her newly found self-worth.
“Losing Isaiah” (1995)
The beautiful Halle Berry sheds her designer labels for horrendous frocks and swaps out her flawlessly powdered face for a cocaine ridden nose in this 1995 classic. “Losing Isaiah” shows how a black mother, addicted to cocaine, struggles to gain custody of her child after putting him in a garbage can so she could go get high. The social worker, Margaret Lewin, played by Jessica Lange, instantly bonds with the child, causing a whirlwind of issues between the two women. After a lengthy court battle with lawyer Kadar Lewis, played by Samuel L. Jackson, the women realize that who gets to keep Isaiah isn’t up to them, it’s up to him.
“Set It Off” (1996)
With an all-star cast featuring Jada Pinkett Smith, Queen Latifah, Vivica A. Fox and Kimberly Elise, this classic movie tells the tale of four friends who deal with financial struggles and decide to plan and execute several bank robberies. This movie easily shows the hardships many African-Americans go through on a daily basis just to survive. Police shootings, child protective services and un-employment all drive these women to take matters into their own hands and make their dreams come true. “Set it Off” became a box-office hit, grossing over $41 million with a budget of just $9 million.
“Soul Food” (1997)
This comedy-drama produced by Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and his wife Tracey Edmonds depicts the ins and outs of how traditions hold an African-American family together despite adversity. The cast features Vanessa Williams, Vivica A. Fox, Nia Long and Mekhi Phifer. This film is one of the few movies that depict African-American families positively. Grossing over $43 million at the box office, this original movie was so widely praised that Showtime created a television series based on the movie.
