Waiting to Exhale (1995)

Based on Terry McMillan's novel, this film follows four very different African-American women and their relationships with the male gender.

Director:

Forest Whitaker

Writers:

Terry McMillan (novel), Terry McMillan (screenplay),

Stars:

Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine

8 wins & 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Whitney Houston	...	Savannah Jackson
Angela Bassett	...	Bernadine Harris
Loretta Devine	...	Gloria Matthews
Lela Rochon	...	Robin Stokes
Gregory Hines	...	Marvin King
Dennis Haysbert	...	Kenneth Dawkins
Mykelti Williamson	...	Troy
Michael Beach	...	John Harris, Sr.
Leon	...	Russell
Wendell Pierce	...	Michael Davenport
Donald Faison	...	Tarik Matthews
Jeffrey D. Sams	...	Lionel
Jazz Raycole	...	Onika Harris
Brandon Hammond	...	John Harris, Jr.
Kenya Moore	...	Denise

Storyline

This story based on the best selling novel by Terry McMillan follows the lives of four African-American women as they try to deal with their very lives. Friendship becomes the strongest bond between these women as men, careers, and families take them in different directions. Often light-hearted this movie speaks about some of the problems and struggles the modern women face in today's world.

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Plot Keywords:

african american | single mother | human relationship | interracial relationship | divorce | 

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Taglines:

Friends are the people who let you be yourself... and never let you forget it.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and some strong sexuality

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 December 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

4 Mulheres Apaixonadas

Filming Locations:

Chandler, Arizona, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$16,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

£1,240,401 (UK) (23 February 1996)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

124 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Although Whitaker had earlier directed an HBO drama called Strapped - for which he received Best New Director honors at the Toronto Film Festival - this film was his first job directing a full-length feature film.

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Goofs

When Robin is in bed with Michael, she takes off her underwear and then when he goes to put the condom on, but a minute later her underwear is still on.

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Quotes

Gloria: Your father's coming home on Tuesday.
Tarik: And? First of all, he ain't my father, he's my daddy; there's a big damn difference.

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Connections

Referenced in The Simpsons: All Singing, All Dancing (1998)

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Soundtracks

"Let It Flow"
Performed by Toni Braxton
Written by Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds (as Babyface)
Produced by Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds (as Babyface) for Ecaf Productions
Toni Braxton appears courtesy of LaFace Records

User Reviews

Meh.

I got an opportunity to see Waiting To Exhale for the second time recently, the first time shortly after it came out, and now now. I can't say time has improved my thoughts of the film, which is odd, as I seemed to recall really enjoying this the first time it came out. (Maybe I should watch 'Homeward Bound' again, as I LOVED that movie the first time I saw it) The only actress really to impress in this movie is of course the amazing Angela Bassett who growls and hisses every chance she gets! I really liked this character, and I felt for the trials she was going through. The other character I liked was the one played by Loretta Devine, who was cute as the overweight mother who unexpectedly falls in love. I kind of thought the Lela Rachon character was underwritten, and seemed to almost revel in her wantonness. lol. As for Miss Houston, when I was watching her "act", well, Chesty Morgan's performance in "Deadly Weapons" came to mind for some odd reason, as it appears the acting thing was becoming a struggle, and wasn't going to last for too long.. All in all, I wasn't really disappointed in the film, it just slid off...