Critics have stated that African Americans (Black people), don’t make good romantic films. I totally disagree. My top five are Love Jones, Brown Sugar, Jason’s Lyric, Poetic Justice and The Photograph. Any relationship films dealing with people of color must meet the criteria of these films I just mentioned. Love, Brooklyn is a drama film directed by Rachael Abigail Holder. I’m curious why Brooklyn was the location used. It may it relatable for me since I was born and raised in New York. Even though I lived in Manhattan (Harlem), some of the places shown I visited and have experienced the cultural mystique. Yes it’s true, the New York City Boroughs are each different and have their on unique styles but their similarities are where you don’t feel so out of place. I’ve always known Brooklyn to be sort of rough. So I begged the question, can love really come from here?
So lets’ delve into this story of relations. There’s Roger (played by Andre Holland) who is writer with a deadline and seems to be having a hard time concentrating on this project. His escape is to go hang out with his ex girlfriend/best friend Casey (played by Nicole Beharie), who is an art gallery owner. You kind of sense that there is still some passion left however, they try not to go there. Meanwhile, Roger gets to escape to his current girlfriend Nicole (played by DeWanda Wise), a single mother due to the death of her husband. Everyone seems to be holding on to the past and really need to move forward in life. Roger still holding on to Casey, Casey trying to hold on to the gallery and has a nice offer to sell since the area is changing. Nicole still not over her deceased husband. The characters give a realistic view of relationships and will have you engulfed in this film.
They even throw in a married man Alan (played by Roy Woods, Jr.), who doesn’t know if he wants to have an affair and too scared to do so. Often times, people just don’t realize how great they have it with their current significant other and feel their missing something. Getting the wrong concept by looking at some else’s life. While those in the chaotic dating are wanting what Alan has. Alan’s character does bring some humor to the movie and helps give it a good mix to have the film have a pulse. Again, great chemistry with the cast portraying these roles. Brings about it’s own authenticity, which is unusual nowadays with everyone doing remakes.
I’m most impressed with the song selections. Every song had that soulful, romantic feel to it. It either brought memories back to the days of being in the neighborhood. or that entangled emotion which had you spun. It seems to be a combination taken from the films ‘ Love Jones’ and ‘Poetic Justice’. I believe the music helped capture the mood and atmosphere.
Rate this film a (3/4) 🍿 and coming to Digital on October 10th..
Expressing my opinion
Chief Editor