Fantastic!

Simple and well acted, it has tension enough to knot the stomach.

It was OK. I don't see why everyone loves it so much. It wasn't very smart or deep or well-directed.

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

I just saw this film for the first time last night on PBS and thoroughly enjoyed it. The plot, performances and the entire milieu were riveting. With the juxtaposition of modern and historical timelines I experienced the Harlem Renaissance as in no other film I've seen. Thnaks to solid writing I felt the anguish and confusion of Perry and the other characters. The screenplay made some choices that I might not have made but they were valid decisions nonetheless. I may be old fashioned, but I appreciate a film with a discernible plot, interesting setting and characters whose motivations I can understand and for me this film had it all.

Every actor was excellent, I grew up on James Baldwin and lived through the early civil rights fight. Although not Aferican American my self, I think the movie had a strong message for all people no matter what their sexual orientation is or the color of their skin. I just went on line an bought it, since our PBS station obviously cut the film (at least they warned us prior to showing it). So I can see the full content of the movie.Having been young and gay and now not elderly but "fabulous" I can relate the both of those times in a gay man's life. It was refreshing to see some one played so realistically. I hope we see more films from this group of people

this film brought together a lot of parallel themes. after leaving the movie i keep talking about it, surprised that i was not familiar with the involvement of Zora and Langston in the Renaissance time period gay struggle. there were so many timeless themes involved in this movie which is such a rarity in today's one-oversimplified-theme kind of world. it is very provocative and forces the viewer to explore their own views on the issue of linking these causes together (i.e. class/homeless/gay/black/whoredom).i do have one remaining question, please answer it or comment if you can:was the ringleader of the guys that beat up Perry his friend? he was angry when Perry did not want to compromise his art for the white dealer and never came back in the movie. it also would parallel the memory of Bruce's when Fire was burned in the steel trash can by other blacks.

Rodney Evans has introduced a film, portraying African-Americans in a light other than stereotypical displays of over-the-top flamboyance and violent citizens. Hooray for a "black" film in 2004 where men wear their pants pulled up to their waists and women have other problems besides their "men's"! It is clear Mr. Evans respects his audience enough to illustrate other ways of life in the black culture. Because each actor embraces their character with such realism it only serves to enhance the flashbacks in the Harlem Renaissance scenes. Thank you Rodney and cast for doing something fresh and not some redundant remake. It was also encouraging to see "non-name" film actors make names for themselves.