Mama Flora's Family (1998)

Fresh and Exciting

Amateur movie with Big budget

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

This movie was very touching from start to finish. It is not as powerful as ROOTS of course but then again what movie is? Its a generational story of a woman named Flora who survives the remnants of slavery to the 21 century. She was consider stubborn as a mule. I think that stubbornness is what made her the heartbeat of the family. She had the respect of her family and community. I know that slavery is a heavy stain on American History but it is American History. To understand it you have to see both sides of the story. You don't have to be African American to enjoy this movie. It is an American story of Love,Hatred,Sacrice and Hope. It is a definite must see.

This mini series, also based on a book by Alex Haley as was `Queen', tried to use similar formulas, that is, constructing a long history following the lives of a family over many years. Whereas in `Queen' the result was masterful, here in Mama Flora the inspiration was lacking. Firstly perhaps in the book itself, and most certainly in this TV production. Too much is put in with too much haste over the years, such that the unfolding saga is shallow, superficial, not nearly so authentic as in `Queen'. Full marks for the scenification in the earlier parts of the film, which was prepared with great care, but as the film progressed it seemed to degenerate into a kind of dallasian-forsythian unpalatable mix in the last third of its three hours or so duration. I had hoped for more; but evidently Haley was less inspired with this tale than his near-biographical `Queen', and Peter Werner III is no match for John Erman. Only recommendable for those who have an appetite for these lengthy tales of generations growing up.

I must admit i found this piece of work to be a great tribute to Alex Haley and my hat goes off to Cicely Tyson who still has the great ability to make us feel. I must say that Queen Latifah (Dana Owens) is such a talent (Whew!!)I also thought that Hill Harper,Blair Underwood,Leland L.Jones and of course the rest of the cast were well picked. Much success to all the cast and crew especially to Director Peter WernerIII for seeing the vision and making it come to life before our eyes.

My wife and I had no problem sitting through this 3+ hour movie. In fact we could have watched more. It goes to show, they can still make interesting films without nudity and cursing. Wealso went through a half dozen hankies. Tom