User Reviews

M. Legend Brown has created a beautiful piece of work. The acting is superb and the story has depth and meaning. While the short did not do the story justice, having the time to really tell the tale of these two kids managing to survive a horrible event will make for a fantastic film. Developing the story to its full potential will provide viewers with an important tale that will move them to tears. The title of this film part of the mystery of the story. What actually happened that night to wreck these two kids life, is subtly told with sensitivity and tenderness that is surprising given the subject matter. Love is at the core of this drama, and once the secrets are revealed, the surprise is that you feel so much for everyone in the story.

At a time when genre-based ethnic films slouch between'unremarkable' and' unwatchable ,' the director M. Legend Brown delivers a short film of great promise. The name of the film is "'Kissed by the Devil" and I attended the premier at the most famous movie theater in Texas. Under the heading of full disclosure,I must reveal that I read the feature length screenplay for this film before seeing the short. So, I understood the intricate plot and rich characterizations. Despite knowing the story arc, I found this film an important work.

"Kissed by the Devil,'stunningly photographed by Michael Ciancio has an almost respiratory quality to it. The film invites you into a journey of a shared secret amongst a family-- a secret where many possess a uneven fragment, but no one can can grasp the whole.

Isn't it secrets and misguided cover-ups that bring most families to the brink of implosion, wreaking intergenerational havoc and unrepentant angst? That has certainly been true in most of the black families I've witnessed-- and, it's been a truth in my own.

Mr. Brown-- who also wrote the screenplay for 'Kissed by the Devil' -- crafts a story around the above premise, allowing it to unfold within a unique set of psychological and emotional boundaries. Oakland Davenport-Hill, played with understatement and texture by Khadijah Karriem, leaves one wanting more. In an especially powerful scene, she nearly coll apes under the weight of the secret, her concern for her ailing brother and the life path she has chosen.

What is most compelling about the film is Brown's commitment to eschew sentimentality. In a genre where filmmakers are tempted to quickly descend into cliché or persistent time worn stereotypes, "Kissed by the Devil' is warm and welcome in its artistic embrace. Kudos to Mr. Brown and his crew for this achievement.

The project "Kissed by the Devil" was a well directed short setting up a feature length to come. I enjoyed this story which kept me wondering why these events unfolded the way they did and of course ending with a surprising twist. The story ultimately focuses on the unity and bond of a family that experiences an unfortunate tragedy. Great job writing and camera work! The film was shot in the Dallas area which ultimately displays the range of talent and opportunity for all filmmakers to come. I very much look forward to seeing the feature presentation which will truly allow even a deeper view into each character in the film. Great job!

It's refreshing to watch a movie and see characters that remind you, not only of the people you know, but when you can see parts of yourself in the characters and being able to relate to what is happening on the screen. M. Legend Brown is not a filmmaker that's out trying to make a name for himself through camera angles and stylized cutting, he is a filmmaker that comes from the heart and wants to share, visually his vision and experience, which he masterfully displayed in Kissed By The Devil, by allowing the story to take precedence, with an amazing cast that brought it to life.

This film not only entertains, but enlightens. This is definitely a film with a purpose and more films like this, is what this world needs.

I think this was a wonderful film by M Legend Brown. I'm a life time fan of his work. The part of the film that stays with me is the tender relationship between the characters Jordan and Oakland. Wonderful Job! I'm hoping their is a sequel. We are planning to get all of our friends together to have an M. Legend Brown watch party. This man's work is awesome, he's one of the few directors who can blend the drama and suspense in such a seem less way. I'm looking forward to seeing their next project! All of the folks in the cast were superb. I was on the edge of my seat from the beginning of the film to the end. Very exciting film!

I am not going to speak about the film.....go see it yourself...my emotions ran the gamut and I still think about the film a week after seeing it....I am a professional actor and I scrutinize the square screen very critically... well lit... great sound... excellent shot composition....terrific acting by all...The venue for the screening was the historic Texas Theatre in Oak Cliff the theatre has been renovated and put back in her original splendor....The premiere was well planned and produced and quite crowded with industry professionals and fans... There is a second screening June 5th at the Texas Theatre at 8 pm... Be There Aloha Stephen

GOOD JOB M.Legend Brown

Kissed by the Devil was great! The writing, acting and production were all so well done. The movie flowed very well and kept my attention. I was completely engrossed in it and then was so surprised by the ending and felt and understood the pain of the entire family. The actors did a wonderful job becoming the characters! To the entire cast I would like to say thank you for conveying the depth of emotions in each character do well, I would like to thank the writer for holding tight to his dream and making it a reality, and the production company for caring about the quality of what you put out. I am in great anticipation of a full length feature film. I LOVED IT!! BRAVO!!!

I enjoyed the film especially the surprise at the end, the sacrifice that the father had to make for the child. Only wished the movie was longer so as to give the actors more screen time because I was enjoying them. The leading actress put her soul into the scenes especially the scene at the end when the father is about to get executed. I also really liked the camera work. Everything looked pristine and well done. I commend the director for his vision and the actors for their portrayal of his vision. I also commend everyone who had a hand in the project because these things are not easy to put together, kudos to you all.

Kissed By the Devil is a riveting movie that should be available for everyone to see! It kept me on the edge of my seat and fulfilled my desire to see a real film. M. Legend Brown is a brilliant story teller, and I'm so proud to have the opportunity to view his work. The cast delivered their all, and left their hearts on the floor. You can feel the intensity in every moment, and understand how all the pieces of the puzzle came together. The quality of the film is impeccable, and professionalism in the finished short was gratifying. I can't wait to see the next project from Poor Child Films and their continued growth. Hats off to KBTD and it's success!

Kissed by the Devil is a superb Mello Dramatic Drama that was very well written with "Great Production" and excellent Film Work. It mainly depicts how a family can suffer from secrets that have been held from other family members due to shame or pure disgust! The main characters Oakland Davenport portrayed by Khadijah Karriem and Michael Davenport portrayed by Shaun Baker gave rave performances. Oakland works hard to make a living,she is the care taker of her sick bother and visits her father every weekend who is on death row. Oakland however is constantly seeking the truth from her father & her brother regarding secret that keeps them bound. This story holds true in the lives of a lot of families, mainly Afro-American families. This is a must see film that will keep you wondering on your toes until the very end. I really enjoyed watching it and I can't wait to see the movie extended and shown in Movie Theaters world wide. Great job- M.Legend Brown!!!!

I thought this film was VERY WELL DONE!!!! I enjoyed the complex dynamic of secrets in black families. I believe this film could help families learn the importance of communication in the family structure. I thought the character development was WONDERFUL! To see the sister care for her brother with that level of dedication was heart warming. I truly hope this film become a full length feature because I think it would be an inspiration to all families not just black families. M. Legend Brown did a masterful job to be able to take this concept and portray it in such a way is a STROKE OF BRILLIANCE!!! So if you have not seen the film Kissed by the Devil or if you have and want to see it again come to Texas Theatre on June 5th @8:15 (showtime).

"Kissed by the Devil" is an EXCELLENT film!! The story line is intriguing and pulls you in, making the viewer want to know more about the characters leaving the viewer wanting to see more! I appreciate the risk the writer took to shine a light on "family secrets" that exists in many family's lives that usually end up becoming major underlying issues of dysfunctional relationships! It shows how toxic secrets can be and how they can ultimately destroy people.

I applaud the cast for their organic and heartfelt display of emotion and their ability to authentically connect to their individual characters.

This film deserves the chance at becoming a full length film! KUDOS to the writer/director, producer, cast & crew!! This is definitely a team to watch out for . . .

~ Jaz Winchester Owens

Very well written piece which is capped off by excellent acting! It will keep you on the edge of your seat to find out what really happened. After viewing the short film it will make you want to know more about the characters and their history. Surprisingly refreshing in these days to have a film like this that speaks deeply to the heart of man through trials and perseverance. Can't wait to see this on the big screen reaching to the masses and speaking up for those who do not have a voice. Mr. Brown has done a great job combining not only the great writing, but with excellent cinematography and great acting... No doubt this will be a film many will speak about for years to come!

Amazing - M. Legend you did great, each film keeps getting better and better. Marvelous story and a great cast to play it out. Loved the suspense, the honesty, the dynamics between the characters and the realness of the film. It kept me engaged the entire time. I definitely left wanting more. I really want to get to know about these characters, I want to feel for them a little more and really know what makes them tic and why, I want to understand more of their connection with one another - I know it can't all be done in less then 30 minutes so I am looking forward to the full length film. I am so glad you made it out to LA to have a your second premiere.

Keep on making great films!! Mariel Josette - Los Angeles

As always with any of M. Legend Brown's films, the story, characters and dialog are immediately intimate and very real.

The acting was extremely solid in this film top to bottom, lead by such established episodic TV veterans as; Shaun Baker, Karen Malina White and Victor Williams. Khadijah Karriem, who played the lead was completely engaging and perfectly cast for the role.

The supporting cast members all brought depth and subtlety to M. Legend's outstanding writing. Cinematography and directing were top notch.

The entire production makes you want to see more. Not only about this story, but any more that M. Legend Brown has to offer. A wonderful filmmaker who's star is rapidly rising.

This movie was so powerful with powerful performances by some amazingly talented actors. The relationship of the lead female Kadijah Karriem with her brother Sean Baker was beautiful to watch, with a beautiful performance as the loving but real best friend by Karen Malina White. Very well written drama by Michael Brown and directed beautifully with real natural and raw performances leading up to a shocking ending...but it doesn't stop there..it is now about to be a feature length movie, allowing us to dwell into the inner depths of the characters cores which is perfect as you want to see more into their lives. Beautifully directed utilizing the beauties of Dallas, Texas, this is a movie that will be hitting at the heart strings..don't miss the last 2 minutes!