March 2003 Celebrate Women's History Month

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Compiled by Wilson Morales Celebrate Women's History Month What do you have when you combine the acting talent of Angela Bassett, Vivica A. Fox, Whoopi Goldberg, Thandie Newton, and the legendary Dorothy Dandridge? Nothing but powerful performances. If you are looking for a film to celebrate Women's History Month, then watch any of these films on DVD or VHS and you won't be disappointed. WAITING TO EXHALE (20th Century Fox) Director: Forest Whitaker Actors: Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Lela Rochon, Loretta Devine, Wesley Snipes, Gregory Hines Composer: Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds The adaptation of Terry McMillan's best-selling novel, about four middle-class, African-American friends, and their continuing efforts to find Mr. Right. The story begins with Bernadine, whose husband John calmly announces that he's leaving her -- for a white woman. Furthermore, the wealthy John has been manipulating his finances, and leaves Bernadine virtually broke. But Bernie gets her revenge, in a rather "fiery" fashion. Then there's Savannah, who re-ignites a relationship with her ex-boyfriend, who's married with children. Meanwhile, dim-bulb Robin dates hordes of Mr. Wrongs before going back to Russell, who's also married. Will either come to her senses? Finally, portly, single mom Gloria gave up on finding a man years ago, concentrating instead on raising her son. Ironically, it is she who finds love, with her new neighbor. For these women, finding a man is secondary to one thing: their close love and affection for one another. And it is this bond that helps them get through the pain and heartache of their lives. SOUL FOOD (20th Century Fox) Director: George Tillman Actors: Vanessa L. Williams, Vivica A. Fox, Nia Long, Irma P. Hall Composers: Wendy Melvoin, Lisa Coleman SOUL FOOD is a warmly atmospheric ensemble drama set around the abundant table of Chicago family matriarch Mother Joe, whose extended brood orbits around the stabilizing force of her sumptuous Sunday dinners. However, when dissent brews between competitive sisters Maxine and Teri, grandson (and narrator) Ahmad tries to reunite the family. HOW STELLA GOT HER GROOVE BACK (20th Century Fox) Director: Kevin Rodney Sullivan Actors: Angela Bassett, Taye Diggs, Regina King, Whoopi Goldberg Composer: Michel Colombier Angela Bassett stars in this heartwarming comedy as a woman who resists falling in love with a 20 year old man, until her best friend (Whoopi Goldberg) urges her to rediscover herself and get into the groove. CARMEN JONES (20th Century Fox) Director: Otto Preminger Actors: Dorothy Dandridge, Diahann Carroll, Harry Belafonte Composer: Georges Bizet The classic retelling of Georges Bizet's opera Carmen, starring Dorothy Dandridge as the tempestuous Carmen Jones and Harry Belafonte as the soldier drawn irresistibly to her. BESEIGED (Fine Line Features) Director: Bernardo Bertolucci Stars: Thandie Newton & David Thewlis Thandie Newton (Beloved) stars as Shandurai, an African woman who moves to Italy after her husband is taken captive by African military police. In Rome, Shandurai begins to study medicine and, to pay the bills, cleans the apartment of a quiet, sensitive, recluse pianist, Mr. Kinsky (David Thewlis). Soon, it becomes clear through a series of long, piercing glances across the room that Shandurai and Mr. Kinsky have fallen in love with one another. When Shanduari gets some news of her husband, it throws a large wrench like object in Kinsky's plans for the two.