Black love: Valentine’s Day movie watchlist
Painting by Lance Lucas depicts a scene from Poetic Justice (@darealicon via Instagram).
Love is in the air and Valentine's Day is here! It’s time to buy chocolates, drink a glass of wine and enjoy the fruits of love around you. While you sit back and relax with your Valentine, or maybe by yourself, you may want to watch some classic romantic films.
In Hollywood, the cliche romance comedies have been prancing around for years. The good girl falls for the bad boy, the billionaire meets a young and inexperienced girl, the girl and guy meet on a blind date, and more. There’s always the same storyline with a certain aesthetic of actors and actresses with blonde hair and blue eyes. If you don't believe me, a few examples are “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” “There’s Something About Mary,” “27 Dresses,” and way more than I can count.
This Valentine's Day, spend some time watching a film that represents something different: Black love.
So here are a couple of films to watch on this lovely day to clinch the need for love gleaming upon Blackness. Remember, even though these films are fiction, take a moment to appreciate the art and representation of Black love.
Love Jones
Starring a predominantly Black cast, “Love Jones” is a 1997 classic following Laremz Tate as poet Darius Lovehall and Nia Long as photographer Nina Mosley. The film follows the career-driven couple and their challenges while trying to build their names within their profession.
Starting as an unconventional relationship, the pair realizes their passion for each other is more than intimacy. But they discover that being committed to each other is difficult when personalities clash and people around you embrace your downfall.
“Love Jones” can be streamed on Paramount+.
The Photograph
Directed by Stella Meghie, “The Photograph” is a 2020 romance drama starring Issa Rae as Mae, and LaKeith Standfield as Michael. Consisting of past and present-day scenes, after her mother's death, Mae, played by Rae, begins to uncover her mother's secrets, including a love affair. Michael, played by Standfield, joins her. While doing so, they begin to have unexpected feelings for each other. As their love grows, so do opportunities that may break them, leading to a love story that replicates that of the past. This film explores the intergenerational impacts of Black love and the mistakes and hurts experienced by Black families.
“The Photograph” can be watched on the Peacock streaming service.
Poetic Justice
“Poetic Justice” is a 1993 romantic drama written, directed and produced by the late John Singleton. Set in South Central Los Angeles, the film stars Janet Jackson as Justice and rapper Tupac Shakur as Lawrence "Lucky." The story between the two begins with resentment. However, it gradually grows into love as they realize they have more similarities than differences while embarking on a road trip with friends.
As the film progresses, both battle the violence transpiring in their communities, affecting them and their relationship. Poetic Justice portrays the struggles one can face in inner-city communities while establishing love that can emerge from them.
“Poetic Justice” can be watched on the American streaming television service SlingTV.
Just Wright
This 2010 romance comedy stars Queen Latifah as physical therapist Leslie Wright and Common as NBA superstar Scott McKnight. In the film, Leslie, a devoted basketball fan, is granted the opportunity to become Scott's live-in physical therapist after he suffers a career-ending injury.
Facing more lows than highs, Leslie helps Scott recover as his return to the NBA is uncertain. As their time together continues, their professional relationship develops romantically, as they recognize their chemistry and mutual love for basketball.
But, their love faces challenges as a past lover returns and tries to reignite a relationship. Just Wright is a predominately Black film exploring the essence of friendship that leads to love.
“Just Wright” is available for streaming on Max, the American streaming service.
Love & Basketball
Cult classic “Love & Basketball” is a coming-of-age romance written and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. The movie unfolds a love story between two Black suburban teens, Quincy McCall and Monica Wright, played by Omar Epps and Sanaa Lathan.
Following their journey from pre-teens to young adults, the movie depicts Quincy and Monica's love for basketball and each other. Trying to balance on-and-off-court life, the two face challenges in their relationship and families that will either make or break them. Love & Basketball is an alluring film that explores the challenges of being a young athlete and navigating Black love.
“Love & Basketball” is now available to watch on Max.
Now you have five films to watch showing love with Black leads. Some might deem these movies toxic, but let's remember that love is not perfect. Let's recognize the romance portrayed on TV and reflect on the message shared with Black adolescents about love.