Search - Black Is...Black Ain't on DVD

Finally on DVD!

Jeffery Mingo | Homewood, IL USA | 12/06/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"In the same way that it was exciting for "Tongues Untied" to be put on DVD, this is too truly a great day. Fans of Marlon Riggs are sure to get nostalgic seeing this. This work is about the diversity in the African-American community, spoken in metaphor as a gumbo. But it is also a memoriam of Riggs made during his last days. Some people may be disturbed by the heavy Rainbow Flag influence here, but you should know what you're getting into if you have heard of the venerable Riggs. While there are militant heroes like Angela Davis here, there are other interviewees, that if you knew more about them, you may see them as selloutish. For those of us who saw this in the 1990s, it will be fascinating to watch it again and examine whether it has stood the test of time. For example, HAART medications, 9/11, the DL, and many other phenomena have altered how we look at identity categories in the new millenium. I do recommend this important documentary for all interested viewers."

Black Is.... Beautiful

B. McDaniel | New York City,NY USA | 05/13/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This movie/ documentary was wonderful. Marlon Riggs, wanted us to understand that there is not one solid voice nor, is there way to be black. Black just is. Black is a mixture of many races, histories, sexualities. In other words, we come in different shades and have different ideas. What has made us "black" is our history here in American. Through out this film, I realized how freeing is it to not allow the majority to speak for me or tell my story. However, more often than not, we're marginalized and some of us like/accept it as fact. He wanted to combat this. We are not totally represented in the media and some of us like it that way too. He challenges his own communities homophobia and sexism with flourish that will make you question, are you really who you think you are and where and how did you come to that conclusion. This was his last film and it's a beautiful gift that he left for all of us, who feel like we're "outside the pail" and that we'll never be able to join or turn away from the larger group that we are apart of. He reminds us all that it is not okay to be follower and sit back remain silent. He wanted someone to stand up and speak. So, he did. Thank you Marlon."

Imperative View

T. McMiller | Detroit, Michigan | 05/02/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I "stumbled" across this movie and could not wait to view it. When I did; I was beyond pleased. Riggs uses many voices in this film but the most powerful is the one of BLACK PEOPLE everywhere. The film is eccletic at every angle and literally touches on almost everything pro or con for Black People. I was inspired."

Insights into African American community

M.E. Smith | Athens, USA | 03/14/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The video was an insightful look at different ways in which the African American community defines itself but also the negative sides: the obstacles that can be divisive. It is not only entertaining but combines a look at the community with one visionary filmmaker's journey coming to terms with his community and his own mortality and legacy. Recommended."