I really need new flicks to watch! I will admit that I haven't caught up with the late 2018 and early 2019 movies. But I know that after this blog post, y'all will hook me up.
XOXO in advance!
We are in the month of August! The second month in the second half of the year! A happy birthday to all the Leos and Virgos! Some of the greats were born this month including my beautiful daughter, Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston. August babies are strong willed and have leadership bred in them. They are just a forceful lot!
In the Shona language, August is 'Nyamavhuvhu' which loosely translated means 'windy'. August babies aren't gentle breezes, they are the tornados and hurricanes; but we love them still! The month itself on this side of the hemisphere is windy! But the wind comes to somewhat renew and pave way for the brief spring season (in Africa, of course!)
Wrapping up July, and starting off August, the script takes a different plot. Over the years, I have picked a liking to several movies. The storylines and captivating acting are then what relates to life itself. From biopics to fantasy, comedy and even thrillers, each movie has challenged the imagination and human emotions.
For this edition of 'Script My Life', I would like to take you through the MVPs of some of the most loved movies. I have added a few favourites of my own and how with each watch, there's a correlation to the script to life itself.
The Godfather
The gangster life has always fascinated me. There's a hustle that is bred from the need for respect and financial emancipation that we all need to have. Based on the story of an American-Italian mafia, this Francis Coppola film is a classic. As a fan of 'old Hollywood', I value the role of the enigmatic, legend, Marlon Brando as the patriarch of the Corleon family. General consensus has appreciation for a young Al Pacino. His role as Michael Corleon remains iconic in cinema. Michael, the youngest, finds himself in a hard place when he is forced to take on the role of the 'don', after his father's (Brando) passing. This role actually challenges Michael's goodness and intentions as he has to deal with rivals and traitors to secure his position.
What we can always take away from 'The Godfather', is how you can't run away from your 'calling'. Michael Corleon wanted nothing to do with the family business, yet he takes on the reins with so much authority, it fits him like a hand in a glove. Like the real life mafia, loyalty is an expensive commodity, but it's necessary. One of my deal breakers is loyalty. We can't function in any situation if there's no loyalty. Michael's rise in the ranks teaches us what happens when you are on the wrong side of the loyalty card.
There is a reason why Pacino is one of the greatest actors. If you aren't watching this movie to channel your inner gangster, then watch it to appreciate superb acting.
Sarafina
To date, this remains my dream role, if I could act. A young Leleti Khumalo plays the role of Sarafina, a young South African teenager during the apartheid regime. It's a musical but not the cheesy type. 'Sarafina' is powerful and you will need a lot of tissues to for this movie. It also stars Whoopi Goldberg as the loveable and rebellious, Mrs Mazibuko, as well as Mbongeni N'gema and the late, Miriam Makeba. Sarafina goes through the tribulations of being a young, black South African, fed up with the apartheid system. She like many South Africans, sing and await for the release of Nelson Mandela. I am fond of the song, "Bring back Nelson Mandela." Sarafina will painfully watch her love interest Crocodile get shot, her favourite teacher Mrs Mazibuko incarcerated and killed, and experience arrest and torture alongside her schoolmates. In the end, Sarafina will play Nelson Mandela in the end of year school play.
It's politically charged, it will rouse an activist of some sort in you. I see a lot of myself in the passionate Sarafina. I commend this particular movie for having a predominantly African cast, rather than diaspora blacks with awful African accents. #IfYouKnowYouKnow 'Sarafina' conscientised me about the African struggle, a struggle which we are yet to be emancipated from. Letta Mbulu sang, 'Not yet uhuru,' because the 'regimes' might have moved from apartheid and colonialism, but the African is not yet free from oppression. If you are a young African like myself, you will raise your fist in the air and sing, "Freedom is coming tomorrow."
Can we commend a young Somizi Mhlongo for his acting. Yes, Somgaga is flamboyant, but when it came to this award winning film, he gave us the 'June 16th' school student. The man can act.
We need more historical movies about Africa, to be acted by Africans - from the motherland. We need the proper accents, correct vernacular pronunciations and the authenticity of telling our own stories. Be it to be woke, or you love a riveting story, or simply a great musical, 'Sarafina' is that movie. 'Sarafina' is an inspirational story that reminds you that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger...and wiser.
The Best Man
My list wouldn't be complete without the iconic film in black culture. The Best Man tells a different story about being black in America. No crime, struggle love, or negative narratives that have been synonymous with black, or POC media. I love The Best Man! Released in 1999, the Malcolm D Lee film stars Taye Diggs, Nia Long, Morris Chestnut, Harold Perrineau, Terrence Howard, Sanaa Lathan, Melissa De Sousa, Monica Calhoun and Regina Hall.
The story begins with Harper Stewart (Diggs) an up-and-coming author whose debut novel, Unfinished Business, has been selected by Oprah's Book Club. He joins his old college friends - Quentin (Howard), Murch (Perrineau), Jordan (Long), Shelby (De Sousa) for Lance (Chestnut) and Mia's (Calhoun) wedding. This wedding will bring comedy, drama and a mature perspective to friendships and relationships.
Harper is best man at the wedding of Lance Sullivan, a running back for the New York Giants, and Mia Morgan, his college friend's sister. At the party, Harper steals Lance's copy of Unfinished Business, to the disgust of Quentin, who has deduced Harper's secret. As the party gets increasingly drunk, Murch falls for one of the strippers, Candy, and Harper calls Jordan, accepting her invitation.
After finding the book in Harper's coat, Lance reads it and finds out the truth, realizing that Mia slept with Harper in college to get back at him for his infidelities. He attacks Harper for his betrayal and almost throws him off the balcony, but Quentin talks him down, and Lance calls off the wedding. The next day, Harper meets Robyn at the airport and tells her how much he needs her, and she reluctantly agrees to help him save the marriage.
The Best Man has a strong cast that delivers standout performances. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and the comedic timing is impeccable. The film also has heart as it explores the complexities of relationships and the importance of forgiveness.
One of the most memorable scenes in the film is when Lance discovers the truth about Harper and Mia's past. The tension and drama that unfold are gripping, and the audience is left wondering if their friendship can survive the betrayal.
'The Best Man' is a must-watch film that has stood the test of time. And that's why it's in the hall of fame of black cinema. It offers a fresh perspective on black culture and delivers a relatable story about love, friendship, and forgiveness. And let's not forget that we love the wedding scene where everyone hits the dance floor and dances the 'Electric Slide' to Cameo's 'Candy'. Now that's unforgettable!
Blue Jasmine
Cate Blanchett has become one of my favourite actresses. With each role that she plays, she gives the character a memorable air. She often has a RBF, but her acting is phenomenal. I'm not a fan of Woody Allen movies because one needs great concentration to follow the story. I'm sorry, I can only do that with Tarantino movies. But I digress! Cate Blanchett plays the role of Jasmine, a high society woman, who lost everything after the breakdown of her marriage to her husband. Jasmine is faced with the harsh reality that she no longer has the luxurious life that she previously owned. She has to stay with her foster sister - whom she thinks poorly of due to socio-economic differences. Blue Jasmine is set in two timelines - the events leading to her husband's arrest and her current situation. The plot line is also about the unfolding of Jasmine losing her mind as she talks to herself at the end of the movie.
Jasmine's predicament is a reflection of many of our daily struggles with grappling with reality. Failure to adjust to trauma, or abrupt changes in life, can lead to mental health problems.
Madea's : The Diary of a Mad Black Woman
R.I.P to Madea! Tyler Perry's matriarchal character Madea Simmons has not been without controversy. But from my analysis of the franchise, Madea is that one person we all need in life. We need a no nonsense, opinionated, straight shooting person to help us get our lives right.
The Diary of a Mad Black Woman, stars the underrated Kimberly Elise, the fine Shemar Moore, the legendary Cecily Tyson and Perry himself. Steve Harris plays the role of hot shot Atlanta lawyer, Charles McCarthy, who ends his 18 year marriage to his wife, Helen (Elise). He shamelessly drags her and throws her out to start a life with his mistress Brenda (Lisa Marcos) and their two children. Helen is assisted by Orlando (Moore), whom she uses as a punching bag, and steals his car. Helen ends up at her grandmother Madea's (Perry) house and all hell breaks loose. Helen will have to learn to start life again including rebuilding old relationships. She is courted by Orlando who proposes marriage to her. Unfortunately, Charles is fatally shot by corrupt client, and faces death. Brenda abandons him, and Charles is left at the mercy of Helen - a mad, black woman! Helen will have to learn to forgive and accept the love that she deserves from Orlando.
There are other story lines within this plot, but let's focus on Helen. A few critics have believed that Perry vilifies black women, but I view the Madea series differently. From my point of view, Perry has looked at the different struggles for women of colour. With the microscope on these issues, his main theme is forgiveness and healing. We find happy endings to the conflicts. We all need forgiveness and healing. Helen's situation is a familiar story, more so in the African context. We have embittered wives who built with husbands who then leave them for mistresses. They never deal with the pain and often use church as an excuse. 'The Diary of a Mad Black Woman' deal with the five stages of grieving - anger, depression, denial, bargaining and acceptance. When we come to the point of acceptance do we completely heal and move on. Cecily Tyson's character rightly says, "Don't open one door when you haven't closed the other." The pastor at my church says, "How you leave, is how you will begin." It's time to tie loose ends!
As for Madea, and even Joe, (both played by Perry), they are caricatures. They lighten the heavy topics in the movies, otherwise our eyes would need catheters. Again, my applause to Kimberly Elise in this role! She is one of the best black actresses hands down!
The Duff
We go back to high school, yay! Released in 2016, 'The Duff' rewrites the narrative of the high school stereotypes. In the opening scene, the protagonist has a monologue about high school in the 21st century. Nerds are cooler than jocks and cheerleaders just need a hug.
This is why high-school senior Bianca Piper (Mae Whitman) is so confident. She is an excelling student and has two of the coolest best friends. She was okay with the set up until Wesley, (Robbie Amell) her neighbour who's a jock, highlights that everyone calls her a DUFF - designated ugly fat friend. She over thinks things and breaks off her friendship with her BFFs, tomboy Casey Cordero and designer, Jess Harris. Being a duff isn't her only challenge. Mr Arthur (Ken Jeong) assigns her to write an article for the school's editorial. She also has a crush on Toby whom she can't say more than three words too.
To reinvent herself, Bianca asks Wesley to de-duff her in exchange for her tutoring him in chemistry. The two experience an adventure as Bianca is learning confidence and Wes is slowly falling for her. After a disastrous date with Toby, Bianca finds Wes making out with mean-girl, Madison (Bella Thorne), and realises that she has fallen for Wes. After a talk with her best friends and some motivational coaching by her mother, Bonnie Piper (Alison Janney), Bianca decides to go to prom.
Yes, the cheesy, glow up scene comes through with Bianca dressed to the nines topped with confidence. She confronts Wes about her feelings for him, in which he declines because he's back with Madison. It's only after Wes is crowned prom king that he leaves with Bianca. The two make out and an inspired Bianca writes that article. The story is about being a duff and gains relevance with the whole school.
We all know of a duff, or have one as a friend, or you are the duff. I have always been a duff - but it's okay. 'The Duff' is an empowering high school movie about embracing yourself. Bianca changes the school social system by turning an ugly label into a positive form of self acceptance. Bianca stands up to her bullies especially, Madison, whose shallowness limits her to high school life. We also learn that stepping out of your comfort zone is a great way of exploring dimensions of oneself.
The movie doesn't include much music but you can gush over Joan Jett's, 'Reputation'. The moment that song plays, your inner rebel goes, "f@#* it! I'm awesome!"
People aren't products on a shelf - we can't be labelled in sameness.
I always pose this question, "Who says that you can't learn anything from cinema?" If you take a glimpse, movies are art imitating real life.
Until the next script...
P.S. Always write your own love story!
Ciao!
Lady E
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