Today's film I found quite fitting for this week. Its amazing how when a family comes together as one, how strong and powerful they can be. So today's feature is that of the 1997 film Soul Food, produced by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Tracey Edmonds, and Robert Teitel. This great film featured an "ensemble cast", the film stars Vanessa L. Williams, Vivica A. Fox, Nia Long, Michael Beach, Mekhi Phifer, Jeffrey D. Sams, Irma P. Hall, Gina Ravera, and Brandon Hammond.The story depicted in this film is so true especially in many Black families, maybe even yours. Its story pretty much exemplifies how a family breaks up after the matriarch becomes ill and eventually passes away, thus causing rifts to develop due to the fact that the one person who keeps the family grounded is no longer around to mediate disputes and to show love and guidance to the younger generation.
Soul Food was one of those films that would be considered a complete package deal. Not only was the film great but the soundtrack was off the chain as well. It would showcase 4 songs that audiences will always remember: 1) Its theme song, "A Song for Mama", is written and produced by Babyface. Released as a single, the song became a Top 10 hit in 1997 and is today a popular selection for vocal harmony groups. 2) "What About Us" is written and produced by Timbaland and Missy Elliott, which peaked at #16 on the Hot 100. 3) "We're Not Making Love No More" [sung by Dru Hill] is also written and produced by Babyface and was a Top 20 hit the same year. 4) "In Due Time" had a video made and stars Big Boi, Andre 3000 and Cee-Lo in an old-style video about their struggles in the "Dirty South".
In 2000, Showtime would premiere an one-hour television series based upon the film. And just think, by the time the series was cancelled in 2004, it had become the longest running drama with a predominantly Black cast in the history of North American prime-time television. (Man I miss this show :-( )
Some little known facts about the film:
1) Halle Berry and Whitney Houston were both considered for the role of Terri.
2) Regina King, Kenya Moore and Jada Pinkett-Smith were all considered for the role of Bird.
3) Vivica A. Fox auditioned for the role of Terri but she landed the role of Maxine instead
4) Soul Food was shot primarily on location in the Chicago area.
This is definitely a wonderful film that should be viewed by every family no matter what race they are. The acting was top notch, and the story line was very intriguing. Just think of it like a black "It's A Wonderful Life", a classic that retell its story over and over.
1 comment:
This was one of the best movies to have come out of the 90's.
Very few people can comprehend how "soul food" unites those in the black community because many don't understand that such a tradition goes back centuries ago.
This long-standing tradition is responsible for the longevity of many a family. It's a time to come together to have belly's filled with wholesome food all the while experiencing a time with the family in which may not be appreciated away from "big mama's" table.
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