Down in the Delta

Rating:
Summary: DOWN IN THE DELTA: ONCE IN A LIFETIME
Review: Once in a lifetime does Hollywood produce a movie with a modest budget that contains an Oscar caliber screenplay,direction,soundtrack, and performances from everyone in the cast including the children.Although the storyline is very simple, it does appear to work. The story begins in a low-income urban Chicago apartment where a middle-aged widow,Rosa Lynn Sinclair, is faced with a difficult decision: save a family heirloom that has been in the family forever or save her daughter and two grandchildren from an uncertain fate.
In a desperate attempt to do both she pawns the family heirloom
and sends them to live with their wealthy but hard-working uncle "down in the delta" While there they learn the true meaning
behind the family heirloom and how they themselves will play an important part in it's future. They also learn that their uncle's
true wealth doesn't come from his money but from his unconditional love and loyalty to family values and hardwork.
A wealth that they inherit themselves and are able to share with Rosa Lynn.
The movie was originally made for cable TV but at the last minute the studio released it in the theatres in December 1998.
Unfortunately, it got lost in the big budget Christmas sauce of movies. Fortunately, it is available on video. It carries a PG-13
rating for mild profanity and mild drug use.

Rating:
Summary: The Poet as director...
Review: Poet Maya Angelou does a wonderful job as a first time director. but it's the story and the south that are the real stars...the region is full of beauty and vibrant characters,and she brings out the story well on film...alfre woodard is probably the best black actress in hollywood you've never heard of, and al freeman jr. always gives his all...wesley snipes is a good actor when he wants to be...maybe if he stopped making so many action films he'd get more respect...well worth your time...

Rating:
Summary: Lineage
Review: This is an amazing movie. Besides being a well filmed movie, it tells a great story. From the ghetto to the southern countryside, the strides this family makes to bring themselves back together is rewarding to watch. If only more families had these wonderfull stories of famliy history and lineage to bridge the gap between generations.

Rating:
Summary: breathtaking! The best movie I saw in 1998
Review: This is an excellent first movie for Maya Angelou, and excellent movie period. It warms the heart and makes you feel good, unlike many movies nowadays! Wesley snipes part, although somewhat small is very imortant to the movie and Alfre Woodard gives a stellar performance as always! also, check out the movie cross creek (which also has Alfre Woodard) You can get it on Amazon.com for around 8.99!! Enjoy the movies!!

Rating:
Summary: Down In The Delta
Review: This is the type of movie that causes you to stop and think. It shows some of the extremes you go through to keep family together. It also helps point out a lot of what happens day to day that is taken for granted. All the while you wonder what happens next. this is one movie that you don't want any breaks once you start watching it. So get comfy and have a drink and snack before you start.

Rating:
Summary: A Black Family's Bond
Review: This movie ranks in the top five of positive films about African American families and our lives. From Alfre Woodard to James Freeman Jr. to Wesley Snipes to Mary Alice to the young and old supporting cast. This is real--our struggles, our sacrifices, our love, our strength, the integrity of our ancestral heritage, our survival in spite of hardships. Hollywood, with the help of Black filmmakers and directors had better start producing more movies like this one, "Once upon a Time when We Were Colored" and "Eve's Bayou!" We are watching!

Rating:
Summary: An incredible movie
Review: This movie was absolutely wonderful, I found myself almost crying, not because it was a sad movie (it wasn't) but because it has such a heartfelt story line. Very well crafted.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent movie for everyone!
Review: This movie was one of the best I've ever seen. There was no killing, shooting, cursing, beating - just a movie filled with family values that relate to all families, of any race of ethinic background. The actors were perfect in their parts and each brought something deeper to the screed. One could see examples from their own families throughout the movie - with the end being that families matter and family members each have their place and purpose in a family and each member should stive to reach his/her purpose knowing that the other members of the family will support him/her when friends and the world turn away. Should be used in school systems to teach family values and survival skills.

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Horrible
Review: This movie was very boring..there wasn't much of a plot..and it went nowhere. While I was watching it, I couldn't wait until it was over with.

Rating:
Summary: Powerful, clean, meaningful, and full of rich teaching
Review: This was a phenomenal movie. This is one of the only movies I have seen where African-American families are portrayed in a positive, and yet not politically manipulative light. The messages delivered through this production are as timeless as the meaning behind "Nathan" (a centerpiece in the movie). I would highly recommend this for teachers to use for powerful examples of ethnic identity development, positive examples of multicultural awareness, and inspirational teachings for all students. Additionally, this is a great show for families to feel comfortable watching together (however, there may be one or two scenes that are a little harsh for children- but they are not graphic by any means).
Overall, this is an excellent film!!