Rating: 
Summary: finally
Review: A film that shows the neurotic side of some lesbians. A film that proves to me that I am not the only lesbian in the US who would doggedly pursue any tidbit of information on a famous person I presume to be a lesbian. Hey, I'm not proud of it....but it is certainly calming to know there are more of us out there. Simple dialogue and charming characters made this a very enjoyable movie.
Rating:
Summary: Widening the Spectrum: Multiple Issues, Multiple Minorities
Review: As a lesbian film student of color, I find inspiration in Cheryl Dunye's vision. "The Watermelon Woman" seamlessly weaves together the issues of race relations, ethnic and lesbian identity construction, and prevailing oppression in all its subtleties. Setting up the film as a pseudo-documentary of an aspiring filmmaker's research on a Black lesbian actor from the thirties counterpoints a historical context of these issues, with its modern manifestations. An excellent film from a multiple-minority perspective. The acting may call for more training, but the successful execution of the issues excuses the sometimes contrived reading of lines. The portrayal of Guin Turner's naively ignorant character (a white woman who prefers men and women of African-descent) was well written and played. The film illustrated race relations on many sides of the issue -- the relations between people of the same race and cross-racial relations. Funny, as well as socially valuable, "The Watermelon Woman" is one of those rare films that reaffirm my expectations for film: not just as a form of entertainment or art, but as a tool for social commentary.
Rating:
Summary: Widening the Spectrum: Multiple Issues, Multiple Minorities
Review: As a lesbian film student of color, I find inspiration in Cheryl Dunye's vision. "The Watermelon Woman" seamlessly weaves together the issues of race relations, ethnic and lesbian identity construction, and prevailing oppression in all its subtleties. Setting up the film as a pseudo-documentary of an aspiring filmmaker's research on a Black lesbian actor from the thirties counterpoints a historical context of these issues, with its modern manifestations. An excellent film from a multiple-minority perspective. The acting may call for more training, but the successful execution of the issues excuses the sometimes contrived reading of lines. The portrayal of Guin Turner's naively ignorant character (a white woman who prefers men and women of African-descent) was well written and played. The film illustrated race relations on many sides of the issue -- the relations between people of the same race and cross-racial relations. Funny, as well as socially valuable, "The Watermelon Woman" is one of those rare films that reaffirm my expectations for film: not just as a form of entertainment or art, but as a tool for social commentary.
Rating: 
Summary: I loved it! Was inspiring! Passionate, funny and kool!!
Review: Cheryl Dunye's Watermelon Woman was sweet. I fell in love with all the characters, they were all so great, especially her best friend, who had me laughing all the time. As a black woman it was great to see so many black women on the screen. I could totally relate to some of these characters, especially Cheryl's character who was totally fascinated with "the Watermelon Woman". I myself being fascinated and passionate about other women, would have probably gone the same route as Cheryl. Definitely a movie to see!!! It sweet, passionate and real Way to go gyrl!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Insightful Examination of Black Lesbian Indentity
Review: The best films inform and enlighten as well as entertain. Cheryl Dunye's debut feature, WATERMELON WOMAN does just that. It takes the viewer on a fascinating journey into one black woman's life as she searches for a lesbian role model. She finds her in the form of a mysterious figure known only as the "Watermelon Woman." Utilizing a light-hearted, documentary style approach, Dunye (who also stars in the film) has crafted an intelligent and entertaining film that will resonate with many viewers, irrespective of one's sexual orientation.Unlike other films dealing with gay characters or themes, WATERMELON WOMAN is not pretentious or preachy. Instead, it tells a simple story which touches upon universal themes such as searching for one's place in the world. Dunye, while not a polished actress, is nonetheless appealing in her lead role. Her character possesses a youthful charm that makes you really care about her journey. The other members of the cast are also appealing. Adventurous filmgoers tired of formulaic plots will find much to savor in this film. Aspiring filmmakers can also look at the film as a guide in how to create a compelling story on a modest budget. Being one of the few people to actually see the film during it's brief theatrical run, I was happy to learn that I could see it again in the convenience of my own home. Now a much wider audience can enjoy this special film. Check it out. On another note, her next film, STRANGER INSIDE, is slated to premiere this year on HBO. Hopefully, that film will live up to, if not surpass the promise of Dunye's earlier film. Only time will tell.
Rating:
Summary: Insightful Examination of Black Lesbian Indentity
Review: The best films inform and enlighten as well as entertain. Cheryl Dunye's debut feature, WATERMELON WOMAN does just that. It takes the viewer on a fascinating journey into one black woman's life as she searches for a lesbian role model. She finds her in the form of a mysterious figure known only as the "Watermelon Woman." Utilizing a light-hearted, documentary style approach, Dunye (who also stars in the film) has crafted an intelligent and entertaining film that will resonate with many viewers, irrespective of one's sexual orientation. Unlike other films dealing with gay characters or themes, WATERMELON WOMAN is not pretentious or preachy. Instead, it tells a simple story which touches upon universal themes such as searching for one's place in the world. Dunye, while not a polished actress, is nonetheless appealing in her lead role. Her character possesses a youthful charm that makes you really care about her journey. The other members of the cast are also appealing. Adventurous filmgoers tired of formulaic plots will find much to savor in this film. Aspiring filmmakers can also look at the film as a guide in how to create a compelling story on a modest budget. Being one of the few people to actually see the film during it's brief theatrical run, I was happy to learn that I could see it again in the convenience of my own home. Now a much wider audience can enjoy this special film. Check it out. On another note, her next film, STRANGER INSIDE, is slated to premiere this year on HBO. Hopefully, that film will live up to, if not surpass the promise of Dunye's earlier film. Only time will tell.
Rating:
Summary: This is a movie about history, visibility, and identity
Review: The central quest of this movie is the search for a kindred spirit in the past. Too often history ignores those who are not affluent, white, and heterosexual. Cheryle Dunye's search for the long-forgotten and unexplained "watermelon woman" she spots in an old film becomes a quest to affirm her own place in history as a black lesbian who is indeed a real person with a voice.
Rating:
Summary: excellent movie! very funny.
Review: The Watermelon woman is about a black woman Cheryl who is trying to make a documentary about an obscure black actress from the 1930's. Along the way she acquires a lover, who is not only white but a woman. Cheryl Dunne, the director, stars and is brilliant. Watching painful blind dates with women her bestfriend has set her up with are hilarious. This film is GREAT! END
Rating:
Summary: ...and it's funny:-)
Review: This film has that unpolished appearance that always makes me feel less assaulted by the endless striving of others for perfection. It also makes me feel more normal, because it's about people without a lot of money, sexual minority status, ethnic minority status, and other "imperfections". Plus, while we'll never live up to the ideal, we can have a sense of humor :-) ...this movie is pretty funny :-). Ppl who like this film will also like "Chutney Popcorn".
Rating:
Summary: ...and it's funny:-)
Review: This film has that unpolished appearance that always makes me feel less assaulted by the endless striving of others for perfection. It also makes me feel more normal, because it's about people without a lot of money, sexual minority status, ethnic minority status, and other "imperfections". Plus, while we'll never live up to the ideal, we can have a sense of humor :-) ...this movie is pretty funny :-). Ppl who like this film will also like "Chutney Popcorn".
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