Love Jones

Darius Lovehall is a young black poet in Chicago who starts dating Nina Moseley, a beautiful and talented photographer. While trying to figure out if they've got a "love thing" or are just "kicking it," they hang out with their friend, talking about love and sex. Then Nina tests the strength of Darius' feelings and sets a chain of romantic complications into motion.

While the film received favorable critical reviews, the film was not a financial success but it remains a cult following because of its realistic characters and unorthodox take on the romance genre. It is also Theodore Witcher's only directorial work to date (2016). The producers of the film said that they wanted to make a modern film about African-American life that did not use violence and recreational drugs as elements in the story.

I am not big on romantic stories, and I am not big on many so-called "black movies". But I think the folks behind this one did everything right. The idea to avoid drugs and violence was smart, because why should every movie featuring African-Americans reinforce the stereotype of the ghetto or criminal behavior? This just sets a bad example.

However, "Love Jones" avoids that trap and makes it a deeper story about love, dating, and the difference between casual and serious relationships. On a personal note, I love the Chicago setting. As a midwesterner, very few movies are set in my area. Chicago is about as close as they ever come... so it is nice to see somewhere outside of LA and New York.

This movie features some of the best ensemble work I've seen in film or on stage. The actors play off each other with a skill and vivacity that in no way can be achieved through editing.

"Love Jones" a good story, period. But it is also an excellent portrayal of the urban, middle-income, twenty-something African-American set that is not often seen.

This is my favorite love story it has every element that a good love story should have. Poetry, jazz, friendships the ups and downs in a relationships. Finally a movie that shows positive aspects of the black community. Larenz Tate was great I can't picture anyone else playing the role of Darius. He recited that poem like he had written it himself and meant every word. I own this movie and if I had the time I would watch it everyday it always makes me feel better and that's what a good movie should do. Also, the character Savon could not had been any better dealing with the subject of marriage. We would all like to find a Darius out there but most of us just settle for watching this movie. My vote is 10/10

A friend said that this was her favorite movie so I finally got around to watching it.

I loved it. I love the story, I love that this was done in 1997 and the actors were about my age at that time. I love the music and dialog. I thought the actors and production were great.

....but damn is it frustrating to watch 2 young people that are good for each other make mistakes! Then again, that's what young people do.

The most recent review gave it a 3 because Darius was was "a stalker". I wrote my friend last night and said similar! 20+ years ago it wouldn't have been as big of a deal to figure out someone's address and just show up at their house. Now it seems a bit creepy. Times have changed and I have changed. I thought about that last night.

So, it's a little dated in a few ways, and some may not enjoy this film because of that. However, if you were in your 20s (or teens or 30s) in the 1990s, and you want a love story, then you'll love this.

This is in my top 5 when I name my favorite movies of all time. There wasn't a single character in this movie that didn't act more than they were. The hardest role in a movie may BE to perhaps, play someone that you'd see everyday, or someone that you'd be everyday, and they pull it off so naturally. It just reminded me SO much about how me and my peeps would kick it on weekends...one couch...snacks, and crazy stories and philosophies on life. I love nights like that. To add to it, who WOULDN'T want to have the type of relationship that Nia and Larenz endured? Good or Bad...it was so sexy and warm and black and beautiful...Definitely a keeper, and PACKED with unforgettable quotes that ALL can relate to. Definitely somethin for the movie collection.