Get on the Bus (1996)

A disparate group of African-American men travel by bus to Washington, DC for the Million Man March.

Director:

Spike Lee

Writer:

Reggie Rock Bythewood

Stars:

Ossie Davis, Charles S. Dutton, Andre Braugher

2 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Richard Belzer	...	Rick
De'aundre Bonds	...	Junior, aka 'Smooth'
Andre Braugher	...	Flip
Thomas Jefferson Byrd	...	Evan Thomas Sr.
Gabriel Casseus	...	Jamal
Albert Hall	...	Craig
Hill Harper	...	Xavier
Harry Lennix	...	Randall
Bernie Mac	...	Jay
Wendell Pierce	...	Wendell
Roger Guenveur Smith	...	Gary
Isaiah Washington	...	Kyle
Steve White	...	Mike
Ossie Davis	...	Jeremiah
Charles S. Dutton	...	George

Storyline

Get on the Bus follows several Black men on a cross country bus trip to the Million Man March. On the bus are an eclectic set of characters including a laid off aircraft worker, a former Gang Banger, a Hollywood actor, a cop who is of mixed racial background, and a White bus driver, all make the trek discussing issues surrounding the march, manhood, religion, politics, and race.

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Plot Keywords:

road movie | bus | march | million man march | religion | 

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Taglines:

On October 16, 1996, the one year anniversary of the Million Man March, Spike Lee invites you to lift your head, raise your voice, and...get on the bus.

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Genres:

Adventure | Drama | History

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language

Did You Know?

Trivia

Although the single most alluded to person in the film, Louis Farrakhan is only seen briefly as the men watch the footage of the March at the hospital. He is being escorted to the podium and viewed from the back.

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Goofs

By evening on the second day of driving, the bus had gone from Los Angeles, CA to Memphis, TN (almost 1,800 miles). Despite driving through the night, by evening on the third day they had only traveled as far as Knoxville, TN (almost 400 miles).

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Quotes

Flip: ...And here comes my mama, marching across the field with a big leather belt in her hands. This belt was so wide couldn't nobody even wear it; this belt was made for whoopin' ass.

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Crazy Credits

Recumbent riders: Carol and Ken Lyon, who just happened to ride through the set on their Cross-Country Ramble from Ventura, CA, to Galveston, TX.

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Connections

Referenced in The Holiday (2006)

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Soundtracks

Coming Home To You
Written by Teddy Riley, Chauncey Hannibal, Karen Anderson and Markell Riley
Used by Permission of Donril Music/Zomba Enterprises (ASCAP)
Chauncey Black Music for Smokin' Sounds (ASCAP)
Sexy Girl Music for Smokin' Sounds (ASCAP)
Tadej Music (ASCAP)
Produced by Teddy Riley
Co-produced by Chauncey Hannibal
Performed by Blackstreet
Courtesy of Interscope Records

User Reviews

Black bonding

Like most of Spike Lee's films, "Get on the bus" is first and foremost a refreshing alternative to the wave of black-on-black violence cinema started by "Boyz n the hood". While racial issues are present and highlighted, the focus is still human interaction and man's flocking nature. Spike Lee knows how to add depth to his characters, and as the film evolves, the lives and pasts of the central characters unravel piece by piece. Yet, as the many differences are revealed, so are the similarities, and ultimately, the need for companionship in the fight against racism is stronger than any prejudice. Other issues, like reverse racism and homophobia are added as extra spice, preventing the film from ever becoming boring. "Get on the bus" is a warm feel-good movie from the man who convinced me that Harlem would be a nice place to live.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 October 1996 (USA)

Also Known As:

Get on the Bus

Filming Locations:

USA

Box Office

Budget:

$2,400,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$2,156,409, 20 October 1996

Gross USA:

$5,754,249

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$5,754,249

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures, 15 Black Men, 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min

Sound Mix:

SDDS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1