Reviews (57)

The spirit and the Spirituals
Two days ago, I finished watching "Roots" ( the re-edited DVD version) , a series I scarcely remembered from my adolescent years. I remembered I had liked it. That was just about it.
Well.....now I'm 40, a musician (choral conductor and educator) and a profound lover of Spirituals and Gospel music. So....let me tell you that "Roots" moved the very bottom of my heart. I cried every episode, deeply touched by the sadness of the story but also by the invincible courage that has led African Americans through a hard history in the U.S. From my knowledge of Spirituals I've always admired this courage, this strength of the spirit reflected throughout all the melodic and rhythmic richness, ( "Hush...hush... Somebody's calling my name") the spiritual and physical beauty of a race, the deep and sincere approach to Christianity!
I think and I do hope that, someday, those "in power" all around the world will open their eyes and finally come to understand that racism, and all forms of discrimination, belong to the darkest and the most ignorant side of the human heart!
Just one last question: Is it possible to buy the printed Screenplay?
Santiago Zuleta. (Bogotá, Colombia)

The Roots of Roots
Warner Brothers has done a wonderful job in bringing David Wolper's 1977 television classic to DVD. This 3 DVD box set comes in an attractive tri-fold insert with an extensive chapter list and summary of each episode of the 573 minute production. The picture is colorful and sharp and the audio is a satifactory digital mono. The box claims "feature-length" audio commentary. Although commentary is extensive and entertaining, it does not run through the entire feature, constantly. There are also video commentaries on each disc from various people who worked on the film, which show highlights from the film as the actors speak on their memories. Some of actors have not aged well. There is also a behind-the-scenes documentary. My only quip is that one can not switch back and forth between the film's audio track and the commentary track at whim. One has to go to the main menu and switch to the commentary feature, much like Warner Brothers's release of Ben Hur, a mild irritation. There is a Spanish language track and English, French, Spanish subtitles. It is interesting to read the subtitles to study subtle nuances of the dialog. It is a pleasure to finally discard my 6 bulky, cumbersome tapes and replace them with 3 thin discs that I can access any portion instantly. If you love the story, you'll want to own this boxset.

Really sad!
All though i only saw first part of these mini-series it's really sad.How kuntah kinte and some other blacks were forced to be in a slaver,get sold to plantation owners and such.And its really heartwrenching when they abuse the slaves and hit them with their whips,anyways this is a cool series.You sometimes think how can other people have treated other people in the past like this.5/5!

Funny & Dramatic
I liked the movie. I mean, I'm kind of young but I really liked the movie. It was funny too. In the way it was funny was when like, they talk in these Southern accents when they come from New York, or something like that. The dramatic part is when they get raped and stuff like that. It's really sad to know that my people was treated like that. You know what I mean? Not the white people's people just the black peoples' people, you know. I think it was a good show. My favorite character was Kizzy my least favorite character was the overseers. You know, the slavemasters. Well, I liked the movie and I can't wait to see the Next Generation.

Great educational series
This is truly one of the great epic mini-series of all time. This series caused me to do research of my own. Everything told in this story happened at various places and times in the United States (both North and South) and some things even worse. One of the glaring things that was left out (that relates to modern times ) was the fact that many of the Africans were sold to Christian White European Slavers or their Black agents by conquering Arabic and Black Moslems (selling people who wouldn't convert to Islam) who were crusading through Africa (and still are). Why would the Whites want to risk getting hurt or killed when they had lots of people willing to gather this "Human" harvest for them? This program of Slavery continues today in Africa and Asia. While you can take my word or not this series should challenge people to find out the truth for themselves. Discover the true "Roots" of the modern world, not just America. Alex Haley did it, but be prepared...Alex didn't tell everything...he was being kind and politically correct. Ask yourself why Mr. Haley didn't become Moslem himself when he had many good friends (he was a very open minded man) who were Moslems. Could it be that he found the idea of converting to a religion that sold his ancestors into slavery unappealing. Buying this DVD and reading the book is a GREAT place to start, but don't stop at the PG version. ... Read more

Description

Featuring an all-star cast headed by Laurence Fishburne, fireballs of high speed air action explode off the screen in this exciting story of the "Fighting 99th," the first squadron of black American pilots to be allowed to fight for their country. Based on the true story. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Excellent portrayal of courage regardless of race.
This is an inspiring movie about how African-American pilots overcame great odds on and off the battlefield. I have seen many war movies and this is one of the best, especially since it is based on a true story. Until I saw this movie, I wasn't aware of the great achievements of these pilots during WWII. This movie is definitely a testimony to the fact that courage is not dependent upon a person's color.

American History at its very best
The story of the magnificent 332nd Fighter Group is woven into a dramatic tapestry of the horror of war and the disjointed approach of many Americans to a difficult time and a situation many would have preferred to ignore. The performance of the pilots who graduated the Tuskegee Training Program (they NEVER lost an escorted bomber to enemy action!) unfolds against the backdrop of misunderstanding, racism and political machinations that nearly destroyed the entire enterprise. This film does a magnificent job of telling the tale without being melodramatic, preachy or snide, but does full justice to the accomplishments of the pilots and their eventual victory against both German pilots and their own nation's refusal to recognize their talents. For the student of World War II, this is a well-known and much-respected story. For the student of African-American History, it is a tale of pride which shines as brightly as the stars on the American Flag these men so courageously defended. Fishburn and Cuba Gooding are superior as men caught between their own humanity and the de-humanizing effects of war. If ever a film deserve a 5-Star rating, this one does.

Outstanding film about outstanding men! Long overdue!
This film is long overdue! The Tuskegee Airmen were one of the bravest groups of men to ever grace the uniformed services. They fought so much than just the "official" enemy. They fought racism on levels that most of us can never comprehend. Imagine the stress they must have been under at all times. Yet, they still took a stand for their country and changed things for all of us, regardless of race. These men have been so under-appreciated by the country, and especially by our home state, Alabama.

This movie should be incorporated into every Alabama history class in the state and every American hstory class in the country. It is an outstanding movie about an outstanding group of men. Every American should own it!

Note: In spite of what others may feel about the bravery and "kill counts" of the German fliers, the 332nd never lost a bomber that they were assigned to escort and even saved a few that they were not assigned to escort! Talk is cheap when there is documented proof! The Tuskegee Airmen rocked!

Outstanding!... But Could've Been Better
I was thrilled to hear about the coming of this movie--then saddened to realize that it was only to be shown as a TV movie. It seemed to me that the saga of these marvelous aviator warriors--treated as they were as second-class citizens by their own government--is one which deserved to be a silver-screen triumph. Our four-engine bombers were being punched out of the sky by the Luftwaffe, but NEVER when the Tuskegee pilots graced their wingtips. Their combat record was nothing short of amazing. The movie was well done, with great story, great actors, great acting. Still, I came away wishing that it might have been better in one respect: During the aerial combat segments, you hear the pilots bantering back and forth loudly over the radios using these rediculous phrases: "Take that, Gerry!" "That's for yo mamma, Gerry!" This was such a great movie; why did they have to dip into corny dialogue during the dog-fighting? It was a flawless procduction till it went hackneyed in those moments.
Aside from that, it was awe-inspiring, moving, even gripping. I just hope the subject is not dropped, and that someday the Tuskegee heroes' story is given even better homage--on the silver screen. This is a far more important story than, say, the sinking of the Titanic.

Proud of these heroes
I'm a white 64 year old Air Force veteran. Watching these heroes of WWII in dedicated, valorous performance, who never lost a bomber to the Nazis, brought tears and pride from me for them. For those still on the ground and for those still "On Patrol", thank you! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Very good movie, grab a box of tissues.
This movie was excellent, very sad but realistic about racism and how African Americans were not treated equally in the South. A great line from the movie that sums up the entire film is "when a white man dies, a black man has to pay for it", in summary. No matter who is actually guilty, whether there's proof or not, a black man must die. I don't think I'd want to see this movie again because it was very, very sad, but powerful. A great movie and I'm glad I watched it.

Faithful to the book
This movie faithfully captures the essence of the book and brings it to life. When I read the book I just loved it. Shortly after I finished reading the book, I found out that HBO was going to show the movie, but I didn't have HBO. So when I saw that it had come out on DVD, I knew I had to buy it. When I got it, I popped it in right away and WOW, I was pleasantly surprised. It followed the book very well and wasn't "Hollywood-ized".

I warn that this movie isn't very action-packed, but it's a great intriguing drama. I recommend it to anyone looking to see an intelligent, well-made movie.

Deals With Issues Much Deeper That Skin Color
I missed the first few minutes of this film, so I watched the rest not knowing if the convicted man was guilty. By the end of the film, it was no longer an issue...
The same appeared to happen with the racial issues presented. The open demoralizing of the blacks (by the whites) was soon overshadowed by the more personal issues of spirituality and self-esteem. One of Cheadle's finer performances, in my opinion, with equally impressive supporting performances.

This is a wonderful film, with a "Lesson" or two for us all.

Dreadful PC Propaganda
I'm a huge Don Cheadle fan, but this film is unworthy of him. [People] who claim that it's a story about racism either don't understand the film or don't understand racism. Basically, here's the plot: The character played by Mekhi Pfeiffer is an unwitting accomplice in a botched armed robbery that leaves three people dying on the floor of a grocery store. Rather than summon help for the others, all Pfeiffer can think to do is help himself to the money in the cash register. He is caught, and in the ensuing trial the prosecutor calls him an animal because of his depraved indifference to human life. That is supposed to be the psychological turning point in the film, because Pfeiffer's family insists on proving that he's no animal and can take his punishment -- in this case, death -- with his head held high. Yeah, right. Guess what? He is an animal, and if the story had involved all-black or all-white characters, racism wouldn't be an issue. A more compelling question: if Pfeiffer's family was so concerned with his "dignity," why didn't they teach him moral values in the first place?

Great Film Adaptation!
This was one of the best film adaptations of a book that I have seen in a long time! The film had a great cast and managed to capture the essence of the book. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Mama Flora's Family
I have viewed many movies, Mama Flora's Family is truly one of the best I've seen in a long time. The movie displayed emotions that seem to have been forgotten in most families. Flora had a mission and set out to put her family where they needed to be no matter the cost. The Writer had to have been deeply inspired to write sure a epic movie. Thank You for presenting such a classic for good CLEAN Family Viewing.

A Great Movie
This Movie Has Queen Latifah and Cecily Tyson! Two Really Great Actress! This movie is about how Younger people don't know anything about there Family History! It made me cry! Right after I watched this I asked my Grandfather about His past and Experiences!

Excellent!!
The best drama of black American history ever!! It is about a black woman named Flora and about her troubled relationship with her family from 1895-1970. Flora and her family face life in the Jim Crow South, WWII, Civil Rights, Vietnam, and Black Panther eras. I personally was interested with Flora's mixed relationship with the white family who employs her. Mama Flora's Family promotes the important values of family and personal responsibility, which anyone can learn from. A must see!!

REMARKABLE!
I experienced this movie for the first time just today and I found it to be remarkable. A depiction of a true and tried black family at its finest and darkest hours. A MASTERPIECE!

Best Movie Of All time
First time I saw this film it made my cry, and still when I tune in to Hallmark and this movie is on, I cry even more, it has a facinating story and great actors as well, I think many people can see themselves in this situation. So thats why im highly recommending this movie to you guyes. I Just bought the movie, and im very anxious to getting it:D ... Read more

Description

Based on the shocking true story, Miss Evers' Boys exposes a 40-year government backed medical research effort on humans which led to tragic consequences. It is 1932 when loyal, devoted Nurse Eunice Evers (Alfre Woodard) is invited to work with Dr. Brodus (Joe Morton) and Dr. Douglas (Craig Sheffer) on a federally funded program to treat syphilis patients in Alabama. Free treatment is offered to those who test positive for the disease included Caleb Humphries (Laurence Fishburne) and Willie Johnson (Obba Babatunde). But when the government withdraws its funding, money is offered for what will become known as "The Tuskegee Experiment", a study of the effects of syphilis on patients who don't receive treatment. Now the men must be led to believe they are being cared for, when in fact they are being denied the medicine that could cure them. Miss Evers is faced with a terrible dilemma-to abandon the experiment and tell her patients, or to remain silent and offer only comfort. IT is a life or death decision that will dictate the course of not only her life, but the lives of all of Miss Evers' Boys. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A Nurse's Perspective on "Miss Evers' Boys"
From my perspective as a professor of nursing, I would say the movie depicted well ethical issues of the most serious type. In this fact-based story, nurse Eunice Evers (Alfre Woodard) was drawn into the Tuskegee syphilis research study by promises that treatment would be coming, hopefully in six months to a year. Her responsibilities included recruiting African American subjects. They were screened for being syphilis positive and then brought into the research study without full disclosure that no actual effective treatment was being provided. Even when penicillin became available, "Miss Evers' Boys" would not be given the life-saving medicine. Only one of the "Evers'Boys", Caleb Humphries (who was expertly played by Laurence Fishburne) escaped the ravages of progressive syphilis by receiving penicillin immediately upon joining the military during World War II. Miss Evers' was portrayed sympathetically, even as she used all of her cultural skills to do the wrong thing -- recruit and retain subjects in this unethical study spanning 40 years. The HBO movie is excellent for students, nurses, medical researchers, doctors, and the general public interested in ethical issues in medicine.

HBO comes through
This is one of the better HBO productions to make it to video. Drama, ethics, and history all combine into an excellent movie with tremendous acting. This is a story that should not be forgotten.

A Powerful Story, Well-Told!
It's no secret that Hollywood has backed off of traditional socially conscious dramas. Oh, sure, issues of race and class are often touched on in cinematic releases, but in recent years, it has been pretty much up to cable channels such as HBO and TNT to produce meaty fact-based dramas with socio-political heft. We can only be thankful that someone has picked up the slack and that such work is still being done. "Miss Evers Boys," a dramatization of what has become the now-scandalous Tuskegee Negro Syphilitic Study, is a case in point. It is as powerful an indictment of racism as you are likely to see. It is also a nuanced and complex a statement on same. It is hard to see how any viewer could remain unmoved by this film.

Much of "Miss Evers'" impact stems from Alfre Woodard's astonishing performance as the title character. Had this actually been a theatrical release, she would likely have walked off with an Academy Award. She had to settle for an Emmy, which was certainly well-deserved. I have seen Alfre Woodard in roles in which she did not appear comfortable, but she inhabits the role of Nurse Eunice Evers totally (or perhaps, Eunice Evers inhabits her). Her performance alone would be enough to recommend the film. But it does indeed have much more to offer--including a great supporting cast (including producer-leading man, Laurence Fishburne, Joe Morton and Craig Sheffer), an intelligent and complex script, and capable direction. Thanks be unto the heavens that someone is still producing powerful, fact-based social drama. We need them now more than ever.

All I have to say, is WOW.
Ever get into those discussions with folks who say, "No, our government would never do something like that..." ?

This movie is the antidote for those people. Our government has made some tragic mistakes and this movie exposes one of the gravest mistakes our government ever made.

Our family watched this together and we were all incredulous. But it is all true. This movie is based a true incident and amazingly, the whole thing was successfully covered up for 40+ years.

This movie had an curious side effect for me - It inspired me to pray for our country and its leaders. The people involved in this heinous scheme need prayers of forgiveness. Hopefully, this could not happen again.

An Imprint in History
I was very upset when I say what the Goverment did to Our people in this movie! Just to show that Blacks and Whites react the same to Syphills! Damn! I was not taught this in school High School! This is a a piece of history that should be taught! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Powerful
the Whole Roots Mini-Series has touched me deeply more than anything I've ever seen.it should be a must see for all eyes because it's so moving&speaks for Past Generations&Future Ones as well.

Roots The Next Generations
This series impacted my life in a inspiring way. I learned alot about American history and the perseverance of African-Americans. It is a must-see for every human being regardless of race, culture, or nationality.

great miniseries
I love this miniseries more than the first "Roots". I guess it's because I can relate more to the later years struggle. ... Read more