America's Dream (1996 TV Movie)
7/10
Good short stories
25 January 2016
Not brilliant or life changing but these 3 stories of the lives of various African-American character in different situations was very watchable.

"Long Black Song": is the story of a farmer who's wife is unfaithful with a white door to door salesman. I thoug7 this was the best of the 3 stories and brilliantly acted especially by Danny Glover. The wife played by Tina Lifford, came across as a little simple woman who got bored being left home when her husband goes to town to sell his crop. The husband clearly loves his wife and splashes out on a ring for her not knowing what she is up to at home. We see glimpses of post slavery attitudes in the deep south and parts of it is disturbing. The white store owner clearly still views Danny's character as a 'boy'.

"The Boy Who Painted Christ Black": is about a school principal played by Wesley Snipes who is torn between his career and pleasing his wife and standing up for black rights. This is a moving story that shows just how wrong America's attitude towards blacks is. I say is rather than was because although the laws have changed these attitudes still exist in the minds of many in America, especially in the South. I thought the young boy Aaron was acted brilliantly by Norman D. Golden II.

"The Reunion": a jazz pianist sees a white woman in the audience of the Jazz club where she works and it stirs up painful childhood memories. I found this the weakest of the 3 stories and at times confusing. But the overall message did come through in the end.

I would recommend this trilogy or stories to anyone who is interested in human nature, especially the turmoil internally and externally that racism can bring.
3 out of 3 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

Recently Viewed