Seems like all colored girls' problems are colored men, not social distinctions, not history of slavery and concomitant disadvantages, not prejudice -- or at least any associations between their man problems and social problems are not made distinct on 'For Colored Girls.' Also seems that all their man problems could be solved with a little forethought and self respect. We follow eight black women who live and work in Manhattan -- from a building manager to a fashion magazine executive to her asistanst to a nurse to a dancer to a religious fanatic to a social worker to a bartending sex addict. Each in a different way has been negatively effected by black men from boyfriends to acquaintances to fathers and husbands. Besides the overriding message of all back men are trouble, two perhaps more useful messages ring out -- take responsibility for your own problems and get support from your sisters (in the larger sense of sisterhood).
This is definitely not a date movie. Every man coming out of the theater will be angry that his gender was depicted so disparagingly; every woman will loose all faith and trust in her escort. The stories are painful and ring true to many women's experiences, though hopefully, women have gotten their lives more in control and fewer of these stories are being repeated since the choreopoems and play was first written 35 years ago. All the actresses give emotional, heartfelt performance. Many perform very poetic monologues as difficult as any from a Shakespearian play. I was surprisingly moved by Janet Jackson's soliloquy in intense close up. With so little experience in front of the camera, she unabashedly dug deep.
These stories are universal, regardless of color or nationality, and all women can see themselves represented by one or another of the characters. It's not fun, but it is enriching. Perhaps go with your girlfriends and have a long 'waiting to exhale' discussion afterwards.
For Colored Girls
Director/Writer: Tyler Perry
from the original stage play 'For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rauinbow Is Enuf' by Ntozake Shange
Cast: Thandie Newton, Whoopi Goldberg, Kerry Washington, Anika Noni Rose, Michael Ealy, Omari Hardwick, Janet Jackson, Loretta Devine, Kimberly Elise, Phylicia Rashad, Tessa Thompson, TJ Hassan, Richard Lawson, Reagan Michelle, Macy Gray
Opening November 5
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