In the South Bronx, a young doctor embarks on a research project to find out why black women are being infected with the HIV virus at an alarming rate. Dr. Mehret Mandefro takes us into the lives and relationships of two of her female patients, Chevelle and Tara, as they identify and struggle with the social factors that put them at risk.
Chevelle, abandoned by her family as a teenager, became addicted to drugs and dependent on sex with men to get attention and cash. When we meet her, she's been clean for a year and is striving for financial independence. Tara suffered sexual abuse for much of her life and resorted to sex work to survive. Her current boyfriend is pressuring her for sex even though she is undergoing a series of invasive surgeries for cervical cancer. Despite her frail condition, Tara works to overcome her fear of saying no and gains new confidence along the way.
As Chevelle and Tara strive for more power in their lives and relationships, Mehret expands her research to include women across boundaries of race, class and country. She also begins to grapple with these extremely personal themes as they appear in her own life. A visit to Ethiopia, her birthplace, and candid conversations with her privileged girlfriends in New York, yield a startling realization: heterosexual women across the continents face a dangerous power imbalance in the bedroom. When she lets her hair down, steps out of her doctor's role, and confesses her own weaknesses, even this Harvard trained physician sounds just like one of us.
ALL OF US is about AIDS but it is not a tragedy. It is a story of resilience, sisterhood and courage.
http://www.allofusthemovie.com/aboutthefilm.php
One of my first thoughts while watching this documentary last night was that it was a good alternative to "Precious". For me "Precious" was just a lot of drama for entertainment sake - if that's how you like to be entertained. However, "All of Us" brought it to reality. TRUTH seemed to be the major underlying message in the film as I saw it. An important truth was that it wasn't just people who came from bad homes, suffered incest, dropped out of school, and led a life of drugs and wild sex. Even the doctor whose focus is HIV/AIDS had to admit that she was not always practicing safe sex. She came from a two parent (loving two parent) household, was obviously well educated, and beautiful.
Inspiration to look in the mirror and start by being truthful with ourselves. The film also encourages real talk. Glad I saw it!
Showing posts with label Movies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Movies. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Youssou N'Dour: I Bring What I Love
Doesn't happen often, but I have a new movie on my "must see" list. "Youssou N'Dour: I Bring What I Love". Love has to be the operative word that sums it all up for me. You can feel the love and the passion that Youssou brings with his music and that just can't be faked. A couple of times during the documentary men are brought to tears from the power of the performances. Now that's something - seeing a strong African man cry from love.
The documentary is centered around the release (and fallout) of Youssou's "Egypt" cd. The cd that finally won him a Grammy (after 4 nominations I think) was also the cd that made his own people in Senegal turn their backs on him. As the cd was celebrated in other countries, those who had even heard it in Senegal would not talk about it. Stores there would not sell it and curses went out towards Youssou.
"Egypt" was Youssou's way of singing about what he loved. He sang about his religion and its prophets. Unfortunately, he wasn't one of the chosen few allowed to sing about such.
What watching the problems that Youssou faced and his fight to support what he felt true to his heart, I thought of some of the church people I hear on a regular basis. They don't like the new gospel music. Why can't we just sing the old hymns? Fear of change is not of God but what so many "spiritual" people allow to make them forget what love is all about.
I think that there is something in this film for everyone whether it be the music, the cultural lessons, a chance to look in the mirror, or encouragement to keep on pushing for what you believe in.
Thank you Youssou for bringing what you love and sharing it with the rest of us.
The documentary is centered around the release (and fallout) of Youssou's "Egypt" cd. The cd that finally won him a Grammy (after 4 nominations I think) was also the cd that made his own people in Senegal turn their backs on him. As the cd was celebrated in other countries, those who had even heard it in Senegal would not talk about it. Stores there would not sell it and curses went out towards Youssou.
"Egypt" was Youssou's way of singing about what he loved. He sang about his religion and its prophets. Unfortunately, he wasn't one of the chosen few allowed to sing about such.
What watching the problems that Youssou faced and his fight to support what he felt true to his heart, I thought of some of the church people I hear on a regular basis. They don't like the new gospel music. Why can't we just sing the old hymns? Fear of change is not of God but what so many "spiritual" people allow to make them forget what love is all about.
I think that there is something in this film for everyone whether it be the music, the cultural lessons, a chance to look in the mirror, or encouragement to keep on pushing for what you believe in.
Thank you Youssou for bringing what you love and sharing it with the rest of us.
Monday, August 3, 2009
The Human Contract
"The Human Contract" is the first written & directed by Jada Pinkett Smith. I'm now ready to see what else she brings to the table.
One friend was excited because the female lead in the film was pretty much a "player" and he seemed to think this was extraordinary. I told him that I think it happens more often than not but whereas a woman might be more willing to admit aloud her mistakes, a man definitely isn't going to share with the boys how he got got.
The movie takes us into the life of a successful businessman who gets caught up in the web of the "exotic" woman. She's married but her husband allows her to play. He's in the middle of a divorce and the biggest business deal of his life. As you can guess, all of this gets pushed aside as he falls madly for this woman like no other he's ever met.
Jada makes an appearance in the film as well.
Of course there were parts of the storyline we all wished had been explored more but for me, I enjoyed it because it was something different and kept me wanting to see what would happen next. Worth renting for sure.
One friend was excited because the female lead in the film was pretty much a "player" and he seemed to think this was extraordinary. I told him that I think it happens more often than not but whereas a woman might be more willing to admit aloud her mistakes, a man definitely isn't going to share with the boys how he got got.
The movie takes us into the life of a successful businessman who gets caught up in the web of the "exotic" woman. She's married but her husband allows her to play. He's in the middle of a divorce and the biggest business deal of his life. As you can guess, all of this gets pushed aside as he falls madly for this woman like no other he's ever met.
Jada makes an appearance in the film as well.
Of course there were parts of the storyline we all wished had been explored more but for me, I enjoyed it because it was something different and kept me wanting to see what would happen next. Worth renting for sure.
Julie & Julia
Now I was excited about seeing this movie and so when my friend Tamra received a pass to the screening, I was on her every day about going.
I love food. I love trying out new recipes. I love watching others cook. I like both Meryl Streep & Amy Adams a lot and after seeing the movie, I have a much greater love for Julia Childs. I can relate to Julia's approach to food with an almost childlike fascination and enjoyment. Even moreso, I loved the relationship she had with her husband and the amazing support & love she received from that union. Without him, I don't think we would have been blessed with all the love of food & cooking Julia gave to us.
Our growth isn't completely dependent upon ourselves and I think this movie highlights how we become all we can be through our relationships with others.
Great movie. Entertaining, endearing, funny, exciting and definitely worth seeing. My friend Tamra went only because she knew I was excited to see it but came away loving it.
I love food. I love trying out new recipes. I love watching others cook. I like both Meryl Streep & Amy Adams a lot and after seeing the movie, I have a much greater love for Julia Childs. I can relate to Julia's approach to food with an almost childlike fascination and enjoyment. Even moreso, I loved the relationship she had with her husband and the amazing support & love she received from that union. Without him, I don't think we would have been blessed with all the love of food & cooking Julia gave to us.
Our growth isn't completely dependent upon ourselves and I think this movie highlights how we become all we can be through our relationships with others.
Great movie. Entertaining, endearing, funny, exciting and definitely worth seeing. My friend Tamra went only because she knew I was excited to see it but came away loving it.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Revolutionary Road
I didn't really get much from the trailers that made me feel as if I needed to rush out to see "Revolutionary Road" upon it's theatrical release. I did attempt to see the free screening, but the line was soooooooo long by the time I got to the theater, my friend and I left for other entertainment.
Well, I watched it last night and was actually very surprised. For me it was so intense and thought provoking that I was glad I decided to put it on my rental list. I'm also now wishing I had someone to discuss it with who has seen the film.
Even though the story took place during an earlier time period, it still spoke to what happens for many today. Getting stuck and not knowing what your "true calling" is or having a clue as to how to figure it out. Working the 9 to 5 that you hate but you know you also like having a place to live, a car to drive, and your utilities operating. Or else the woman who married that guy who would take care of her for the rest of life, but realized that it's just not enough and there's a longing to be leading a different life.
It all rests on whether or not you can face the fear to just get out. Leap and pray that you land in one peace. How do you begin? What door do you choose?
Good movie!
Well, I watched it last night and was actually very surprised. For me it was so intense and thought provoking that I was glad I decided to put it on my rental list. I'm also now wishing I had someone to discuss it with who has seen the film.
Even though the story took place during an earlier time period, it still spoke to what happens for many today. Getting stuck and not knowing what your "true calling" is or having a clue as to how to figure it out. Working the 9 to 5 that you hate but you know you also like having a place to live, a car to drive, and your utilities operating. Or else the woman who married that guy who would take care of her for the rest of life, but realized that it's just not enough and there's a longing to be leading a different life.
It all rests on whether or not you can face the fear to just get out. Leap and pray that you land in one peace. How do you begin? What door do you choose?
Good movie!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
The Hangover
I went to a screening of "The Hangover" tonight and was glad I did. I thought I might get a few laughs and my friend Tamra said she could use a few as well. The great part about the screenings is that if the movie sucks, at least I didn't pay $10 to see it. I actually think I would have been okay paying to see this one. Very very funny.
I've had a few nights in my younger years where I didn't remember all that happened or where all I'd been, but nothing compares to the night these guys had. Loved every minute of watching them try to put it all together.
The laugh I needed.
I've had a few nights in my younger years where I didn't remember all that happened or where all I'd been, but nothing compares to the night these guys had. Loved every minute of watching them try to put it all together.
The laugh I needed.
Monday, April 27, 2009
The Soloist
I saw the movie last night and enjoyed it. Not only did it make me appreciate my talent of playing the violin, but it made me think about some of the people passed every day. On the street corners, in the store parking lots, under the bridges, and the ones I help feed during one of my community outreach services.
At the end of "The Soloist" we are told that there are over 90,000 homeless in the City of Los Angeles and I think more than anything, the film gives us an opportunity to stop and take a better look. Who are the homeless? Do we just lump them in a group under that title or do we actually consider the individual? Is there something we can be doing to lessen that number or do we just keep avoiding?
My ex-lust Djimon Hounsou was homeless on the streets of Paris when discovered by Thierry Mugler & oh how glad I am that Mugler took a second look at this particular homeless man. Steve Lopez, a journalist for the Los Angeles Times did the same thing with a homeless man by the name of Nathaniel Anthony Ayers and "The Soloist" tells the story based on the book written by Lopez of the friendship that formed.
I tend to believe that everyone has a bit of insanity in them (whether they acknowledge it or not) and the difference in us all is how well we are able to handle it. Most of us have functional insanity, some get along fine with medication, and others have just crossed that line of no return. One of the social workers points out to Mr. Lopez during the movie that all the people he works with have been diagnosed and medicated to no end yet he doesn't see how it's helped. One lady in the film complains of how the lithium takes away the voices in her head and the voices in her head sometimes soothe her.
A lot of artists are often very close to the edge of being considered insane and many times jump off the cliff. I think Jamie Foxx is a true "artist" and in recent interviews he's spoken of having to seek professional therapy during and after portraying Nathaniel Anthony Ayers (diagnosed schizophrenic) for the film. Ayers is an amazing musician who left Julliard after the voices became too much. I am glad that his story has been told and his music is still making a difference. The voices seem to take a time out occasionally for Ayers, but thankfully the music never does. Good film! http://www.soloistmovie.com/
At the end of "The Soloist" we are told that there are over 90,000 homeless in the City of Los Angeles and I think more than anything, the film gives us an opportunity to stop and take a better look. Who are the homeless? Do we just lump them in a group under that title or do we actually consider the individual? Is there something we can be doing to lessen that number or do we just keep avoiding?
My ex-lust Djimon Hounsou was homeless on the streets of Paris when discovered by Thierry Mugler & oh how glad I am that Mugler took a second look at this particular homeless man. Steve Lopez, a journalist for the Los Angeles Times did the same thing with a homeless man by the name of Nathaniel Anthony Ayers and "The Soloist" tells the story based on the book written by Lopez of the friendship that formed.
I tend to believe that everyone has a bit of insanity in them (whether they acknowledge it or not) and the difference in us all is how well we are able to handle it. Most of us have functional insanity, some get along fine with medication, and others have just crossed that line of no return. One of the social workers points out to Mr. Lopez during the movie that all the people he works with have been diagnosed and medicated to no end yet he doesn't see how it's helped. One lady in the film complains of how the lithium takes away the voices in her head and the voices in her head sometimes soothe her.
A lot of artists are often very close to the edge of being considered insane and many times jump off the cliff. I think Jamie Foxx is a true "artist" and in recent interviews he's spoken of having to seek professional therapy during and after portraying Nathaniel Anthony Ayers (diagnosed schizophrenic) for the film. Ayers is an amazing musician who left Julliard after the voices became too much. I am glad that his story has been told and his music is still making a difference. The voices seem to take a time out occasionally for Ayers, but thankfully the music never does. Good film! http://www.soloistmovie.com/
Friday, April 10, 2009
Movie - American Violet
- there are more than 2.3 million Americans behind bars
- every 17 seconds someone is arrested for violating a drug law
- approximately 13 million Americans are convicted felons, and 1 in every 31 adults (or 7.3 million Americans) is currently in prison, on parole, or on probation.
- American taxpayers pay over $40 billion dollars a year to fund the "War on Drugs".
- the rate of drug admissions to state prison for black men is 13 times greater than that for white men
At least one woman was 100% of her innocence and this time the DA picked the wrong black woman to lock up.
Her story is one that should make us all want to stand up for what's right. Not only just for ourselves, our families and those that we know, but for the rights of those that are being abused all over. We never know when that law that we blow off because we think it doesn't apply to us will one day come knocking on our own front door.
Alfre Woodard does a great job as usual and the film also stars Charles Dutton and Xzibit. I had not seen Nicole Beharie before this film, but am very much looking forward to seeing more of her in the future.
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