1 Best Poitier Performance Ever!
So much drama with very little props. Sibling spats are the best though, in typical Poitier fashion, he slaps someone and triumphs over racial oppression. This is one movie you'll want to watch enough times to memorize it. "Walter Lee Younger, it is time for you to GET UP and go to work!" "You're just a happy little woman this morning." "He's mad, boy." "In my mother's house there is still God." "Willie! Willie!?"
2 "I am a giant, and I'm surrounded by ants."
With perhaps the best cast ever assembled for this play, David Susskind's 1961 production of Raisin in the Sun is a classic film and a landmark achievement during the civil rights struggles of the early 1960s. Starring a young Sidney Poitier as Walter Lee, Claudia McNeil as his mother Lena Younger, Ruby Dee as his wife Ruth, and Diana Sands as his sister Beneatha, the film closely follows the script of the play, and director Daniel Petrie wisely confines the setting almost entirely to one room, as it is on stage. This intensifies the emotions and interactions of this three-generation family, which share a small, two-bedroom apartment in South Chicago, and makes their longing to break free obvious both visually and emotionally.
Sidney Poitier as Walter Lee is the "giant...surrounded by ants" as he dreams of escaping his job as a chauffeur and investing in a liquor store. Poitier's body language and subtle gestures as he argues about how to spend his mother's ten thousand dollar life insurance check powerfully convey his anguish. The close-up of Poitier's slow transition from an insolent and angry young man to a tearful and repentant son in one scene with his mother is unforgettable. Claudia McNeil, as the mother, is stalwart, strong, and full of pride. Ruby Dee, as the devoted wife, trying to decide whether to have an abortion in order to lighten her husband's load, is simultaneously resolute and resigned. Diana Sands, as Beneatha, the agnostic medical student, reflecting the beginning of the "Roots" and "Black Power" movements, provides some comic relief as she practices African "home-from-the-hunt" dances.
At the heart of the play is the issue of discrimination against black people and the limitations on their dreams, and the filming in black and white is appropriate. The small dying houseplant that Lena nurtures remains the major symbol here, as it is in the play, but through the cinematography new symbols emerge. The kitchen cupboard door opens and shuts as family members open and shut themselves to each other and the outside world, and numerous scenes take place between two people with a door in the background, opening and closing as their emotions change. The film quality and its high contrast have withstood the test of time, the sound is good, and the acting, especially as revealed in the close-ups, makes this a classic film, better than any stage version I have ever seen or imagined. Mary Whipple
3 The human striving for the American Dream
A Raisin In The Sun is the DVD recording of the on-screen adaptation of Lorraine Hansberry's classic stage play about black identity, starring Danny Glover and Emmy Award winner Esther Rolle. When a $10,000 insurance benefit generates dreams and squabbles in a Chicago ghetto family (the son yearns to start his own business while the mother longs to live in a house of her own), A Raisin In The Sun wonderfully captures the human striving for the American Dream and the realities confronting those who have grown up and lived their lives poor and disadvantaged. DVD extras include an about the author section, tidbits of information about the play and the cast, and more. 173 minutes, color, suitable for family viewing.
4 The Best of Black Cinema
This is acting at its best. Not only for African American Actorsand Actress,but for acting period. The story is based on the everyday struggles of a Black family. The story is based sometimes in the early 60ds or late 50ds but these struggles still go on today. As a black women in the struggle I related to every part of the story, not only do we get knocked down by the world as per say, but we also get knocked down by our own people.Black men try hard to find a way to take care of their families and sometimes things look better on the other side, as brother in the story does he trusts his friends because his mother trusts him and things go bad for him, but out of every thing bad comes something good, I don't want to tell the story for those who hasn't seen it, the family still go own to move on with their plans and whole their heads up high as they go on and that makes the struggle even better, as least the family still has their self worth and dignity. And as usual Momma the head of the family per say teaches them lesson and also teaches them a lesson in the lost that they experince. always keep your head up and never do anything to loose your self worth or your diginty. This is one movie that every black family shouid see. I recemmond it highley.!!!!! dean.r.m@worldnet.att.net.
5 A dream deferred
In Lorraine Hansberry's masterpiece, A Raisin in the Sun, we are shown a world-wide crisis with which we deal with to this day: the importance of our reality and our dreams.
Walter Lee Younger's father, who in the plot has recently deceased, left his family an insurance policy worth $10,000 (which is approximately worth $60,000 or $70,000 in today's monitary value). Despite their sorrow, they are ecstatic because they can all now make something of their lives. Unfortunately, they all have big plans with the money and, once again unfortunate, it involves the majority of the amount.
Walter Lee wants to start a business with two friends and make a promising future for his son, Travis; Beneatha Younger, his sister, needs money to pay for her medical school; Lena Younger, his mother, has always wanted a house with a backyard so her grandson, Travis, can play; and his wife, Ruth Younger, desperately wants to move out of the "hole" they currently live in.
Lena takes it upon herself to go out and put a down payment on a house in a completely white neighborhood. Walter Lee is then dumbfounded. After many drunken incidents and pleadings, Walter Lee convinces his mother, Lena, to give the money to him so that he can start being the man of the family. After not following his mother's strict orders to place some of that money to pay for Beneatha's education, the money is all gone in one bad investment.
Without giving away the complexity of the ending, you can imagine what happens to his self-esteem and his likeness in the house. There are multiple interpretations on a specific meaning to the story, but one that is perhaps impartial in criticism, would be that having a dream is what keeps us striving for the next best thing in our lives.
As mentioned in the movie in reference to judgment, "Make sure you done take into account what hills and valleys he come through before he got to wherever he is." It's in that part of the play the idea of the story is exhibited.
Truly a great play, both in text and on film. However, there are slight differences in the text as compared to the film. These differences are very minor and do not effect the story, or the idea of the story, in any way. Recommended as a leisure film or for analysis.
6 Powerful
Sidney Poiter's portrayal as Walter Lee was phenomenal! Poiter captured the very essence of what it is to be a African American man hungry for a dream. It is interesting in the story and in the general plot how with his father's insurance money how he can began to start his dream. He continues to plot and envision with his buddies as to how he will take hold of something finally and create with his own mind what is and what ought to be. Later he is seen as a fragmented man, dried out at the bones for what seems a vision loss. It is amazing how Lorraine Hansberry captivates the audience with the highs and the lows of all the characters. The bodacious younger sister who is captivated by everything that ever was; knowledge during this time meaningful of influence and power. The divisions of the haves and simply the have nots. The strivings for the mother to make a better life for herself and her two grown children is imperative.
Either way the development of the story carries the viewer from glory to glory. Walter Lee 's dream looms as big as life, and you can almost hear yourself deflate as his dream goes looming by. It is captivating to see the family still overcome such a difficult blow by still remembering what matters the most -- each other.
This movie can be critique a million different ways and I suppose I will be reviewing it again and again. An African American man with a vision, a dream, a goal accomplished and fulfilled is a beautiful thing. One can strive towards essentially everything but as a people we know that being mediocre is not allowed. To be the best at whatever he wanted to be was Walter Lee's desire. . . For the most crucial thing of all for any man is to stand up and be just that a man. Regardless, as to the choices one makes in getting there the power of accomplishing just that gives one the UMPH to survive after having reached whatever star or attained whatever vision.
I think that Lorraine Hansbury's insight into a very significant scenario still exists today. The very ideal that Walter Lee had a dream of becoming in terms of society's idea of somebody still looms today in the hearts and minds of many men. The mere fact that he wanted a better string of pearls for his wife is indeed a fact that he reckoned with the "quality of his life" everyday.
7 A Masterpiece!
Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun" is one of the most important plays in the history of American Theater. The film adaptation is a wonderful way to appreciate the original theatrical production. It is well staged and superbly acted. The director get out of the way and allows you to be engaged directly with the story. I give it my highest reccomendation.
8 A deeply affecting movie
The
Hollywood Citizen-News dubbed this "One of the most powerful films to grace the 1961 screen." I'd say that time has proven this to be one of the most powerful films to hit the screen in any year.
The character Walter Lee is a man driven to the edge of insanity by the prospect of seeing his dream slip right through his fingers. A dream that he thinks is his only way up. Sidney Poitier, who is the finest, most natural actor I have ever seen, plays this part flawlessly. Ruby Dee, Diane Sands, and Claudia McNeil also strike stunning, emotional performances as the family members dealing with not only Walter Lee's downward spiral, but also with their own issues and inner turmoil.
In keeping with its origins, the cinematography of the movie retains many aspects of a play, and is thus unlike modern movies that cater to the growing attention deficit of our society. However, the content and fine performances will capture your attention, regardless of what you are now used to seeing. The turmoil will be familiar to many people. The conflicts brought up here are classic social conditions experienced by many different types of people all around the world... whether it is due to skin color, religion, money or other class distinction. For this reason, I feel this movie will strike a cord with people from many different backgrounds.
The quality of the DVD is superb. I noticed no degradation of the picture or sound quality. There are subtitle options for English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Korean, and Thai.
The movie's 1961 preview, which is one of the extras, begins with a "Message to Moviegoers" by the producer, David Susskind. I would like to quote his words, because they do ring absolutely true of this movie:
"Here is entertainment which is rare and unique... [W]hen you see this picture you will live it. After you leave the theatre, you will talk about it, and for a long time afterward you will remember A Raisin in the Sun."
[Submitted 5-6-03, edited 5-20-03]
9 Truly a Classic
I have seen this movie countless times, and the story has never grown old. The acting was superb, definitely one of Sidney Poitier's best work. However, Mr. Poitier is an excellent actor. Diana Sands, Claudia McNeill and Ruby Dee give stellar performances. If you have not seen this movie, the message still rings true even today. This is truly a classic!
10 The Best!
The writing was wonderful...the acting - fantastic - the story - touching beyond words. This movie is a must for all humans - black, white, whatever! I've seen this countless times and it never fails to move me. Rent it, buy it...but WATCH it and watch it over again if necessary. Have plenty of tissues towards the end - you'll need it.
Enjoy all!
11 Raisin In The Sun
I think that the DVD was amazing. People should really learn how to appreciate things and see how bad some things can be. I think that if everyone would try we could all do the same thing and work together we should be able to do exactly what he did and inspire people. Some people make think that this movie is boring but if you really took the time to appreciate things then you would probably be able to like and enjoy this movie or DVD. I think that the world should have been a better place.
12 A Classic
When I was in school, I had to read this in English class. We also saw the movie. It was the first time I saw it and didn't remember much from it. As I got older, I decided to rent it. This has become one of my favourite movies of all time. I am a huge Sidney Poitier fan and this movie solidifies his talents as an actor: smooth, dramatic, and oh so classic!!! Although made almost 40 years ago, the themes still apply today. I wholeheartedly recommend this movie and I will never get tired of seeing it!
13 An excellent play.
I read and saw the play which both were excelent. The thing that interests me the most was the relationships the characters have with each other. Walter Lees and Ruth dissolving relationship. They never listened to each other. Another relationship is Walter and Ruths relationship they only have fun together when he is drunk. Yet overal i believe this is a very good movie.
14 An excellent play.
I read and saw the play which both were excelent. The thing that interests me the most was the relationships the characters have with each other. Walter Lees and Ruth dissolving relationship. They never listened to each other. Another relationship is Walter and Ruths relationship they only have fun together when he is drunk. Yet overal i believe this is a very good movie.
15 a great movie
As an African American female college student in her early 20s, I am able to identify with Beneatha. In those days, it was very hard for both women AND African Americans to even go to college. Can you imagine how much harder it was to get into medical school?
The only bad part of the movie is when Beneatha's monologue from the play was eliminated from the movie!( I played Beneatha in a project for my acting class in high school).
16 Subject matter still an issue today
This film is excellent. I first saw it on television umpteen years ago and in school, and I was touched by the whole plot. An African-American family obtains a large amount of money from an insurance policy and they decide to use it to buy a home in the suburbs. But the residents of the white suburban neighborhood where this family wants to move don't want them there. And prior to that, there is contention between family members for even entertaining the thought of moving there. Powerful performances by Sidney Poitier, Claudia McNeil and Diana Sands. This is still a relevant topic today, even though this film was made 40 years ago because these things are still happening. No doubt Lorraine Hansbury, the playwright, was influenced by the very public genrification story of entertainer Nat King Cole, who faced the same kind of racial problems when he brought a house in a wealthy white neighborhood in California in 1948.
Wonderful family film. Highly recommended.
17 Excellent family value guideline
It's old no doubt about that, howerver if you compaire the modern "dazzling" special effect, fast paste.... films of today that always try to catch you at the end... most of them are very disapointing. One thing about old time movies... is the general flow... and this one got it.... it kept your interest all the way to the end. It is a family orientation movie and it message is very important, because in our modern time most of us had lost it! So for that reason, when I read the above critics I ran to the store and bought two Sidney poirier films, the other one is Butch and the Preacher (didn't see it yet).If anyone doesn't understand the meening of good family's values, this is an excellent guideline!
18 Every human being needs to see this movie
this movie is one of the best I've seen that dealt with human basic humanity. The world would be a better place if everybody saw the movie. We all lose our priority in term of what is truely important in our lives. It's our family, neighbors, friends, etc., not money or material things. Please see it.
19 A STRONG BLACK FAMILY
Sidney Poitier&Crew Give a Classic Performance here.Despite all the hardships being faced Sidney&His Family are Together as one.that's the magic of this Film.Very Essential&Touching.Very Powerful.
20 Hello...
I am a thirteen year old and I watched this movie at school. I really liked this movie, which did a good job of showing the hardships of an African American family in the 1950's, or whenever it was. We watched this during the time when we were studying the civil war, slaves, and how blacks were treated in the US, and I was SO bored of all these books and movies about how bad the blacks were treated. I'm not a big fan of old movies, or movies about families going through tough times either, but I really loved this movie. There was great acting, and the story, eventhough it seemed simple, was very good. This is probably my favorite old movie besides rebecca, and definatly my favorite movie about blacks in this period of time. Other movies that I liked a lot were the silence of the lambs, the shawshank redemption, and Jurassic park.
21 A Raison in the Sun
If you are a Sidney Poitier fan, this movie is a must see! It is one of his finest films. I have watched it over and over again and enjoy each time as if it were the first time. This movie is a classic in every since of the word. You won't be disappointed!
22 "Timeless Treasure"
This movie is a classic in every sense of the word. Phenomenal acting from the entire cast. The story line is a timeless piece because some of these same issues are still being dealt with in 1999. Sidney Portier & Ruby Dees' talents will carry this drama into another century. Diane Sands (Benetha) was an incredible talent. I recommend this movie for ALL people. You will definitely be inspired by this beautiful piece.
23 Great movie!!!!
The movie was well written and quitetouching, without being sappy. If you seen Soul Food and liked that you will definetely like this movie. The acting was superb!!!!!!!
24 very inspiring, very emotional and very dramatic
I love it! This movie depicts the closeness of a family during hardship and the abundant love. Sydney Poiter did a terrific job with is act also the mother and Beneatha.
