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Directed by Motown Records founder Berry Gordy and starring Diana Ross as Tracy, a young inner-city woman who puts herself through fashion school in the hopes of becoming one of the world's top designers. Her ambition leads her into the lives of people who are determined to get a piece of her long before she can realize her dream. Ross is a gem to watch in this memorable romantic drama. The urgency in the tone of the film translates so eloquently in the performances, the photography and the narrative. Mahogany is the film that made Billie Dee Williams the heartthrob of black women everywhere. The richness of the characters' relationship makes you long for Diana and Billie to be together. When a film can make you root so fervently for the characters, it's successful.

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Spike Lee's grand biopic of the life, philosophies and transitions of Malcolm X, an influential American figure and Nation of Islam minister. The subject matter alone makes this film a must see, and Denzel Washington's Oscar-worthy performance makes the film all the better. Ernest Dickerson's cinematography must also be mentioned; the look and feel of the film are superb. The making and release of Malcolm X became a significant and highly anticipated event because it was based on the wildly popular book, The Autobiography of Malcolm X (Malcolm's life in his own words as told to author Alex Haley). When the film went $5 million over budget, Lee kicked in most of his salary with help from several black investors, including Oprah Winfrey, Bill Cosby and Michael Jordan. Upon its release, Malcolm X became a great educational tool for students of all colors who were learning about the man and his life.

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John Singleton's moving and gripping saga of a group of childhood friends growing up in a rough South Central Los Angeles neighborhood is the quintessential modern urban drama. This film makes important points regarding the struggles facing black boys in the inner cities. As the characters struggle against the odds, you can't help but root for them in seemingly impossible situations. This powerful movie is John Singleton's greatest film achievement to date. You cannot watch this film and not care.

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In Denzel Washington's feature film directorial debut, a sailor prone to violent outbursts is sent to a naval psychiatrist for help. Refusing at first to open up, the young man eventually breaks down and reveals a horrific childhood. Through the guidance of his doctor, he confronts his painful past and begins a quest to find the family he never knew. So refreshingly heartwarming, moving and painful. Washington keenly takes us on a journey of self-discovery through the character of Antwone Fisher. By the film's end, one feels that this is their own personal story. We know these characters intimately. The ability to translate that kind of familiarity is extraordinary. This story is about the need to be loved and the need to forgive. That the character fulfills both needs through the journey he takes is just quite touching.

(not all are necessarily "black movies," but each has compelling black content)

A Soldier's Story
Baadasssss
Coach Carter
Cooley High
Daughters of the Dust
Get on the Bus
Glory
Hoop Dreams (a documentary)
Hotel Rwanda
Love & Basketball
Menace to Society
Soul Food
The Wiz

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Redeeming Black Films	Printer view
Hollywood's black movies often depict negative stereotypes—gangs, violence—or revel in buffoonery, a la White Chicks and Soul Plane. But Michael and Christine Swanson are trying to change that, one film at a time.