Down In The Delta

Starring:Alfre Woodard, Al Freeman Jr., Esther Rolle, Mary Alice, Loretta Devine, Anne-Marie Johnson, Mpho Koaho, Justin Lord, Wesley Snipes, Kulani Hassen, Richard Yearwood, Sandra Caldwell, Colleen Williams, Richard Blackburn, Philip Akin, Mary Fallick, Sandi Ross, Barbara Barnes-Hopkins, Marium Carvell, Quancetia Hamilton
Director: Maya Angelou
Studio: Miramax
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

This family drama begins in a gritty Chicago neighborhood with a jobless, hopeless mother (Alfre Woodard) pouring her efforts into the bottle and various drugs rather than her troubled daughter and wise-beyond-his-years son. But the movie soon heads south, as the title suggests, when Mom and kids are sent to live with an uncle for the summer. Their lives change, of course, but that's the only predictable aspect of this 107-minute film. First-time director Maya Angelou brings her poetic sense to Myron Goble's elegant script, and the performances are uniformly excellent, most notably the always superb Woodard, Al Freeman Jr. as her uncle, and Mary Alice as her mother. Wesley Snipes takes a break from his action career to do some acting as Freeman's son, and the late Esther Rolle is haunting in the last portrayal of her career. The film's touch of mystery is provided by one of its most devastating characters, a candelabra called Nathan. Rated PG-13, but suitable for ages 8 and older. --Kimberly Heinrichs

Description

DOWN IN THE DELTA brings together an outstanding cast of stars in an uplifting story of family, community, and friendship! In a desperate attempt to change her life, Loretta (Alfre Woodard -- STAR TREK: FIRST CONTACT, MUMFORD) -- a troubled single mother from a tough Chicago neighborhood -- is sent to spend a summer in her family's ancestral home in rural Mississippi. In "The Delta," with the support and widsom of her hardworking Uncle Earl, Loretta finally begins to see a way to provide for her young children and reverse the downward slide of her life. A heartwarming, critically acclaimed motion picture also starring Wesley Snipes (BLADE, U.S. MARSHALS) and Loretta Devine (WAITING TO EXHALE) -- share in this remarkable journey to discover the strength of a family's roots and the power of unconditional love!

Customer Reviews:

Down in the Delta will Lift your Spirit.......2006-11-10

I think this film should be required viewing in every school across our nation. Without realizing it, the viewer is slowing given a very personal lesson in slavery and its impact on the African American family, both in the past and as it effects these families today. The film gets its message across without the viewer learning the meaning of the candlestick named "Nathan," but when a family's determination to not allow a pawnbroker to take possession of Nathan is finally revealed, the impact slavery and how its horror echoes through to the present day becomes clear without being preachy or over-dramatic.

The performances of all the actors are exemplary, especially Miss Woodard. It is a film that helps all people, black and white alike, more clearly define race in our country today and how the wounds of the past continue to scar us today, with a message of hope and power for the future.

Excellent and calm movie.......2006-03-31

This is the movie that oughta keep you calm and warm up your heart. PG-13? Just for drug related material? Just one scene that Loretta Sinclair does smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol. But on top of that, it's a heartwarming movie.

So inspiring!.......2006-02-26

This movie shares the real meaning of family and the values that have long since been lost. One of my all time favorite movies!

Great Movie.......2003-07-25

I watched this movie the first time just because of the cast. I've always thought Alfre Woodard was wonderful, and don't get me started about Mary Alice, Al Freeman Jr., and Esther Rolle! I just loved it, and I caught it again when it ran on cable a while back. I've told everyone I know to see it. It's what so-called traditional family values are all about: caring and integrity and your family heritage, and, most of all, LOVE!

It was also good to see Wesley Snipes step out of his usual bada*** roles into something different--he pulls it off pretty well.

A well-acted family story.......2003-03-31

"Down in the Delta," directed by Maya Angelou, tells the story of Loretta (played by Alfre Woodard), a single mother who lives in Chicago and faces economic hardships. She and her kids move to the family's rural ancestral home to live with her uncle (Al Freeman, Jr.). This change of setting has a profound impact on the family.

Those familiar with Angelou's fine books will probably see similar themes explored in this film. Solid performances are turned in by the excellent ensemble cast. I was especially impressed by Mpho Koaho as Loretta's young son. And veteran performer Esther Rolle turns in particularly moving performance as Loretta's Alzheimer's-afflicted aunt.

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