In this gripping intimate look at life in the ghetto Johnny Williams (James Earl Jones) is a house painter who moonlights as a poet struggling to financially and emotionally support his very ill wife Mattie (Cicely Tyson).... more » But times are tough and the poverty-stricken streets are even tougher. It takes every ounce of Johnny's love and courage for the couple to make it through their strife finding redemption at The River Niger.System Requirements:Running Time: 105 minutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: DRAMA/PSYCHOLOGICAL DRAMA UPC: 879431000381 Manufacturer No: MAC38« less
Strong start and then to slow burn and then 120X FF and a quick eject! Film legends James Earl Jones and Louis Gossett Jr. are in this if you are fans!
Movie Reviews
What's wrong with these people?
Huey Newton | 02/03/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I find it hard to believe those pitiful less that 5-star reviews of this move. Obviously it just went over their heads. This movie is absolutely awsome!! From the opening credits with the backdrop music by the legenday soul/rock/funk band WAR to the very end when Cicily Tyson urges the youths to not screw up what had been accomplished by Daddy Johnny (James Earl Jones) this movie screams to the heart. Either those reviewers have no clue as to what it is like to struggle and live in a ghetto or they could just simply care less. Ignorant. Speaking on things they have no clue about. Anyone who wants a slice of a dream; A beautiful, poetic dream, needs to see this movie. Is it a hollywood masterpiece, filled with explosions, nudity, special effects, and glamor people? No. It is a gut-bucket, poetry, and music-laced ride that will certainly warm the African-American soul and any others who can comprhend where we are coming from."
Compelling
Roy Williams | College Pk, GA United States | 12/24/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Not often will you find such Great actors as Cicely Tyson, Louis Gossett, James Earl Jones, Glynn Turman ant Teddy Wilson in the same movie....A compelling story, set at the end of the Civil Rights Era, and the resulting transition of the leftover radicals..With the poetry of Langston Hughes, and a rocking soundtrack By War...This Is one of the best movies you can see..."
WHERE HOPE AND DREAMS COME AT A HIGH PRICE
Roy Williams | 09/21/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Starring James Earl Jones, Cicely Tyson and Louis Gossett., Jr. James Earl Jones is riveting, and Cicely Tyson is fantastic in this wonderful adaptation of the Tony award-winning play about life in the ghetto. Realistic emotions and believable characters make for an incredible and moving experience for all."
Exceptional Movie
ZANZIBAR | Diaspora | 08/19/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The production of this movie leaves much to be desired, it almost has a home movie feel to it. But the movie itself is real deep right on down to it's liberation armies, informers, and agent infiltrating provocateurs. Glynn Turman gives a superb performance as the ex air force vet, finally come home to the hood for good. Glynn Turman is one of my all time favorite actors (Cooly High, J.D.'S Revenge). The rest of the allstar cast give excellent performances. From James Earl Jones to Cicely Tyson. When you really look at it, this movie, it covers so many themes relevant to the times then(70's)and now. VietNam (wars), Revolutionary Struggle,gangs, drug use, father son relationships,cancer, romantic relationships, honor etc. If not for the production I would have given this movie a 5 but inspite of that I think it's excellent, and I'm glad to add it among my formidable collection of so called "black" classic movies. My copy contained a classic "black" cartoon "John Henry" the steel driving man, as a youth, it was one of the only cartoons "representing" on T.V., a real treat."