This underrated 1990 film directed by Richard Pearce (Country, Leap of Faith) features exceptionally nuanced performances by both Sissy Spacek (Coal Miner's Daughter) and Whoopi Goldberg (Ghost) in a story set against the ... more »backdrop of the emerging civil rights movement of the 1950s South. Spacek plays a Southern socialite who becomes gradually enlightened by the plight of her housekeeper, played by Whoopi Goldberg, as she struggles to raise her family amid the increasing turmoil, prejudice, and violence around her. A well-done treatment of an important period of American history, The Long Walk Home is an effective and accurate period drama. It is also an opportunity to see fine, understated performances by two very popular actresses in an earnest and socially conscious setting. --Robert Lane« less
Shelba A. from ORIENTAL, NC Reviewed on 1/18/2010...
I wish everyone HAD to watch this movie....so sad to think that people were so ignorant during this period. Fabulous movie.
Denise B. (GordonSetter) Reviewed on 11/15/2008...
Very good performances by all three of the main actors. The movie shows how the bus boycott in Montgomery affected the daily lives of the people living and working there. I think the movie conveys the attitude of men v. women and white v. black very accurately. If you like this movie you may also like Corrina, Corrina starring Whoopi Goldberg.
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Movie Reviews
An Excellent Movie
Roni | Singapore | 12/30/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This film brilliantly depicts how ugly discrimination is. Discrimination of any kind is as ugly as ugly gets. "The Long Walk Home" is just one example of the many forms of discrimination.
I am a huge fan of Whoopi Goldberg and she is a fantastic actress whether in a comedy or a show such as this - The Long Walk Home.
One can also appreciate the sense of helplessness of Mariam Thompson played by Sissy Spacek. The desire to do what is right and the desire to honor her husband's expectations.
A great film, a part of history that should teach all of us to embrace and celebrate the differences in societies, cultures, races, and the differences in all of us."
A True Favorite of Mine
Stephen M. Moser | Austin, Texas USA | 01/23/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Sissy, as a sophisticated, mature woman, in a tender and touching screenplay, by John Cork, that revolves around the 1955 bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama. As Miriam Thompson, Sissy is the well-to-do wife of a city official whose busy life ("I'll be at the beauty parlor this morning, then there's a club luncheon, then I have this Junior League thing this afternoon...") is inconveniently affected by the fact that her maid, Odessa (Goldberg), has chosen to support the boycott, and is sometimes late for work. Goldberg, a deeply talented actress who plays *herself* a little too often to be taken seriously, is superb in a role that has very few lines. She lets her expressions (or lack thereof) do the work for her, and she is wholly believable as the maid who takes care of Miriam's family, and then must make the long walk home to take care of her own. The character studies of Miriam and Odessa are overlooked gems in both actresses careers, and it becomes apparent that the struggle is not just that of racism, but of feminism, as well. We are treated to a classic performance by Sissy, again expanding her own consciousness and rising above her milieu. The art direction is also one of the stars of this film, with amazing attention to period details. Supporting roles are extremely well cast. Sissy's daughter, Schuyler, who is already a veteran actress at 18, can be briefly glimpsed in her first film appearance, as the daughter's friend in the park scene. *Long Walk Home* is always elegant, but not always pretty, and it commands the viewers attention - like a picture postcard from another era arriving decades too late"
What A Shame!!!
AKA Gary Mac | Prince George's County, Maryland | 11/12/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I have actually purchased this DVD twice. Both were distributed by different studios. Both times, I was burned. The quality of this DVD is terrible! From the very begining, the picture is so blurry, it's unbearable. I had seen the film before I purchased the DVD, so I already know how great the story is. However, I would not recommend buying this DVD. It just is not worth the hassle."
The Long Walk Home
Lauren | Long Island, NY USA | 12/16/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Long Walk home was a very informative and pleasurable movie. I first viewed the film in morality class. I thought it was just going to be another boring movie but to my surprise is was excellent! The movie provided an excellent view on the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the prejudices that were faced by the people living in Alabama at that time. The movie presented me with a clearer understanding of the boycott as well as the moral issues that were faced by those who were affected by the boycott. The characters in the movie were captivating. They were so strong in standing up for their rights. Odessa despite the long walk refused to ride the bus and Miriam despite her husband continued to drive in the carpool. The movie proves that one person can make a difference and change the way others think."
A great film about the true heroes of the Civil Rights Mov't
lannig@erols.com | Long Island, NY | 01/13/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Long Walk home is a stunning tribute to the individual women and men who contributed to the stugggle for human rights in 1950's America. This film brings to life Dr. King's belief that the true heroes of the civil rights movement were the people who were willing to make sacrifices in order that all could enjoy freedom. Each year, I show this film to my students at Holy Trinity Diocesan High School, Hicksville,NY. Its portrayal of the Montgomery Bus Boycott reminds us that empowered people can, and do, make a difference and that social change never happens by itself."