It is apparent that this film cannot be reviewed on the same context as other movies, as the print that remains is not very good and it seems choppy and possibly greatly edited. But what remains is an inconsistent and incomplete story of two
orphaned black brothers who find out that their old pal whom they made a brother of the spirit has become the head of a gang of criminals who kidnap the daughter of a local black leader in order to prevent him from pursuing a case against his gang. It is a story of right and wrong yet a loyalty of race and shared experiences that began when the three were just children. The film is well-intended and had it had the opportunity to have a full treatment could have been a masterpiece.
We get to see the three characters as children and as adults, and while the acting is obviously not professional, it is sincere and at times touching, particularly with the two brothers who have to deal with the sudden death of both of their parents in a flood. A good 10 minutes of this film shows black culture as it would have been in the late 1930's with some terrific dancing and a usage of black slang that gives an insight to that culture.
The film also deals with race relations and attempts through intelligent conversation to discuss how the races must come together with an understanding and how individuals must be held accountable for their own actions you regardless of race. the narrator is a God-like figure who look like he stepped out of "The Green Pastures". I ranked this film low because to do otherwise would disregard the fact that it is not a well-made movie, simply a well-intentioned one. It is historically important because it has the heart needed by the filmmaker to create an important and profound story, and just lacked to know how to succeed on that ambition. Therefore, I call this a heartbreaking movie in many aspects, certainly for the Injustices done towards the family (and their tragedies), but also for the fact that Spencer Williams, writer, director and actor, could not get the finances to make this as it should have been seen.
We get to see the three characters as children and as adults, and while the acting is obviously not professional, it is sincere and at times touching, particularly with the two brothers who have to deal with the sudden death of both of their parents in a flood. A good 10 minutes of this film shows black culture as it would have been in the late 1930's with some terrific dancing and a usage of black slang that gives an insight to that culture.
The film also deals with race relations and attempts through intelligent conversation to discuss how the races must come together with an understanding and how individuals must be held accountable for their own actions you regardless of race. the narrator is a God-like figure who look like he stepped out of "The Green Pastures". I ranked this film low because to do otherwise would disregard the fact that it is not a well-made movie, simply a well-intentioned one. It is historically important because it has the heart needed by the filmmaker to create an important and profound story, and just lacked to know how to succeed on that ambition. Therefore, I call this a heartbreaking movie in many aspects, certainly for the Injustices done towards the family (and their tragedies), but also for the fact that Spencer Williams, writer, director and actor, could not get the finances to make this as it should have been seen.
