Daughters of the Dust

Rating:
Summary: Simply Beautiful
Review: This is one of the most visually gorgeous films I have ever seen. I had to watch it a second time to be able to understand the dialogue through the thick gullah accents, but that was no chore. Its story of family ties and the struggle between tradition and what's "new" is timeless. I have since watched it 7 or 8 times, and each time I see or understand something new.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent showpiece of the independence of black women
Review: This is the story of turn of the century early 1900's Gullah people. They resided on islands near South Carolina and Georgia, USA but were able to maintain some of their West African heritage. It is based on a the Payzant family led by a very strong elderly matriach who is a staunch defender of traditional ways and West African customs. The movie centers around a family reunion just before a number of the clan make the move to the mainland. We watch as members happy with their island existence struggle with the major life affecting decison of moving to the mainland and changing their lives forever. We see the destruction that gossip can do and the healing power and strength of love. The women have a very strong influence on what goes on in their community. The character of the unborn child adds mystery and suspense and almost tears a family apart. Yellow Mary is an outcast and at the same time a shoulder to cry on. The preparation of the food for the picnic displays how women use it as a forum. What I found intriguing though was the urge to keep the old ways and the struggle to cope with modern ways. It is obvious that those members of the clan who have experienced life on the mainland have a superior feeling over their relatives who remained on the island adhering to traditional ways. The struggle between Christianity and traditional ways and beliefs is intense with traditional ways winning in the end. The concept of compromise is tested. Each character is a strong personality culminating into a strong clan most would be proud to be a member of. The acting in this movie is excellent. The scenery is beautiful, the costumes are flawless. One is transported back to the time. In my opinion Daughters of the Dust is a showpiece of what Black American actresses, writers and movie producers can do. I hope to see more such films in the future.

Rating:
Summary: POWERFUL - MUST SEE DVD
Review: This one of the best movies I have ever seen. I loved it so much that I had to share it with a couple of my best girlfriends. I gave away my VHS copy and am now replacing it with the DVD version. A MUST HAVE for your collection.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: What a great day it was when the pen hit the paper on this one! If I were only to hear the words and not see the picture my minds eye would still capture the beauty. Thank you Ms. Dash for a very necessary tool inwhich I will use to educate my children on our history. And if you never do anything else, rest assured with this one you've done enough. Like Toni Morrison's "Beloved" your "Daughters of the Dust" is so very necessary.

Rating:
Summary: Thank God for the Gift of storytelling
Review: What a great day it was when the pen hit the paper on this one! If I were only to hear the words and not see the picture my minds eye would still capture the beauty. Thank you Ms. Dash for a very necessary tool inwhich I will use to educate my children on our history. And if you never do anything else, rest assured with this one you've done enough. Like Toni Morrison's "Beloved" your "Daughters of the Dust" is so very necessary.