Pure Joy!

Quite possibly the most depressing movie ever.

Some of the stories were pretty good and damned effective, but others...not so much. And the overall framing device linking the stories together was pretty weak.

It's pretty impossible to find any problems with this film. Starting with it's amazing opening sequence, the movie has perfect pacing (a lot due to the great editing by Spencer Averick). The entire cast is flawless; it feels as if newcomer Emayatzy is the only person that could've played the lead (those soulful eyes!). And DuVernay has SO much confidence in her direction that it's hard not to be riveted throughout.

She just won the Best Director award at Sundance 2012 for the great Middle of Nowhere! Maybe that will get her more fans on here than the two dedicated ones that she has on this page already!

It's interesting how this family drama had me way more riveted than most of the action movies released recently. Great writing and an ensemble of some of the most compelling actors this year!

Can't believe I waited so long to see this. And now that I have, it's like a breath of fresh air! Great flick!

An undeniably impressive feature film debut by Alrick Brown! Well-paced, with a great structure, and enlightening without being too preachy.

This movie's got a wonderful atmosphere and a real sense of authenticity. I also appreciated that the whole prostitute angle was neither too gritty nor too sentimental. And wow, there couldn't possibly be a leading lady more beautiful than Sky Grey in the movies this year...

Finally just watched this and was floored. This is one phenomenal flick! From the scene when they first drag Joan outside to confess until the end, the movie is way more intense than most out these days! It's such a good feeling whenever you see a movie that is so good and it feels like it's quickly becoming one of your favorites!

With such a great high-concept that has so much potential, it was extremely disappointing. The story was one of the most lackluster ones I've seen in a long time and felt like it was rushed or the writers just gave up (like another reviewer said). Boring, unimaginative characters, vague motivations, and random throwaway plot points (the father story? what was that?). I don't know, maybe I should have expected less.

A few effective moments but otherwise it was fairly ridiculous.

I really enjoyed this one! Even though the movie is anchored by a great performance, where it really impressed me was in the structure, the writing, and especially in Maye's interaction with the supporting roles.. Loved the scene where Maye learns more about her aunt's outlook on life from a neighbor she barely knew was there, and the wonderful bit with the satellite lady! Such an assured and refreshing flick!

Elegant and assured. Great movie; I really enjoyed it.

This is a TERRIBLE movie. Not really much else to say...

The first half was great, with interesting ideas and structure, but the last 30 mins or so seemed like a chore to me. Can't deny the photographic wizardry throughout though; the great 16mm camerawork is similar to Irreversible but on a whole other level.

I was totally floored by this one. No matter what your opinions are on the subject, there is no denying what an achievement this film is.

Really enjoyed it! It was less of a boxing picture and more of a look at the interesting relationship between these two brothers and their dysfunctional family. Wonderful performances too!

Just saw this at AFIfest, and thought it was very moving, with great performances. The filmmakers made a great choice of including wonderfully funny moments in the movie which helped to provide much needed emotional relief with such a sad story.

Just left an advanced screening, with a Q&A with all the department heads. I feel like I've been mind-f*&%ed...and it feels good. The movie is a real maze, but I felt like I was in good hands! Still processing everything and I need to see it again. But for now I gave it an A!

Wonderful writing, great performances, amazing photography and editing! Blew me away! I loved it! All in all, GREAT FLICK!

There are so many movies that attempt to give a truthful sense of another time and place in it's setting. This movie is one of the few that I've seen that have genuinely pulled it off. It's a movie that truly resonates with you long afterward!

I finally saw this movie the other night and was unexpectedly blown away by its complete perfection of craft!