When we speak on the media's portrayal of black women, it's easy to get swept up by reality TV story lines and one dimensional, background characters in television, music and film. I ask you, my friends, to take a second to pause and reflect over the past 30-ish years. Are we exactly where we want to be? Maybe not yet, but please, realize that we have been blessed.
The following movies are some of my favorites because they embody the mix of characteristics that make us, us. Dangerous, energetic, artistic, burdened, intelligent, sexy, flawed, and pure, it's all real, and it's all right here. Enjoy.
Daughters of the Dust (1991)
Daughters of the Dust is a beautiful story that follows a Gullah Geechee family as they move away from their beloved home, and inevitably, their culture. This film most recently served as major source of inspiration for Beyonce's 2016 project, Lemonade.
You can watch it on Netflix, or for free on YouTube here.
She's Gotta Have It (1986)
Nola Darling and her gaggle of lovers are nowhere near as toxic as their Netflix Original counterparts in the 1986 version of She's Gotta Have It. It's hard not to love Nola, and it's even harder not to wish you lived her carefree, vibrant life. *sighs*
You can watch this film on Netflix, or any other streaming platform of your choice.
Their Eyes Were Watching God (2005)*
Their Eyes Were Watching God is a film about obligation then autonomy, of love, then of loss, and all of the strength it took to maneuver between. If you've never read the story, the film adaptation of Their Eyes Were Watching God follows Zora Neale Hurston's written version to a T. Even still, imma need you to pick up a copy of the book because reading is fundamental.
You can watch it on YouTube here for free!
Crooklyn (1994)
Crooklyn is one of the coolest movies ever about a little girl growing up in Bed-Stuy in the 70s. The main character, Troy, learns all about life from the colorful characters in her bustling neighborhood, and her large loving family.
Catch this title on your favorite streaming service that isn't Netflix...because it isn't there. I already checked.
Cinderella (1997)
Long before Princess Tiana was created, Brandy gave us little black girls the cocoa princess we deserved! This revamped version of Cinderella is everything that the classic version is not - bright. Animated. Larger than life. It actually feels like magic. Must I go on?
YouTube came in clutch again! You can watch this film here for da freeee.
Girls Trip (2017)
Correct me if I'm wrong, but never in the history of movies ever has a group of black women got to go out Hangover style. The antics! The sex jokes! The camaraderie! But of course, the leading ladies of Girls Trip did it with a lot more flavor and style.
It's not on Netflix yet :( but you can watch it on other streaming services!
Waiting to Exhale (1995)*
A common misconception about the film adaptation of Waiting to Exhale, based on Terry McMillan's 1992 novel of the same name, is that it's all about man-bashing. Sure, the men in this story do their women wrong, but the true focus lies in the resilience of each woman as she sorts her way through life with her girlfriends by her side.
Wanna watch it on YouTube for free? I will admit that this copy is a little dingy, but don't say I never did anything for you...click here!
Now that I've got your mind jogging, I really could've added so many more titles to this list.
Someone somewhere is cursing me for not adding Set it Off, Hidden Figures, Pariah, Lemonade, and more, but I can't do all of the work for you, can I? While you're off living vicariously through all of your black girl favorites, make sure to pick up or download the titles marked with asterisks (*) because you'll appreciate the movies even more, I promise.
No comments :
Post a Comment