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Visitors Review

2013-05-02 16:26:49

A must have movie.

This review is from: The Lena Baker Story (DVD) Awesome, Awesome, Awesome!!! My guest were entertained by this movie Twice, everyone enjoyed it, over and over again and over

2013-05-02 00:59:03

Library Keeper

This review is from: The Lena Baker Story (DVD) Historial Information that all African American should know. A library keeper. It also, makes you even more aware of the unfair justice that Black American continue to go through.

Reginald D. Garrard 2013-04-26 22:31:36

A Masterpiece of Film-making

In the rush to produce the latest multi-million dollar, big-budgeted,sfx-filled, star-laden cinematic extravaganza, many distributors aremissing the opportunity to release films of top quality that appeal tothe emotional levels of us all. Granted, film-making is a business andthe bottom line is still profits. However, there is a large audiencethat is seeking a good story with a cast and crew of talentedprofessionals whose work is evident on the big screen.This audience can make a film into a top-grosser, too."The Lena Baker Story" is a prime example of a film that appeals to themoviegoer that wants a story, a genuine masterwork that was made by afilmmaker that truly understands film and storytelling. Adapted fromthe book by Lela Bond Phillips, with assistance by Karan Pittman, andwritten for the screen by director Ralph Wilcox, the movie is rivetingfrom beginning to end. Telling the story of the events leading up andthe eventual execution of impoverished South Georgia native Lena Bakerin 1945, the movie speaks to us all about such negatives as racism,abuse of women, poverty, and the imperfections of the legal system.However, the movie also touches on such positives as the strength ofthe church, the unbinding love of family, and the search for justice,no matter how long the latter takes.Wilcox, himself an actor, has assembled a cast of well-known faces, aswell as new ones, and they all have "come up to the plate" in theirrespective parts. Because of Wilcox's appreciation of the craft, thereare no small parts in this film. Even the smaller roles allow eachactor a chance to shine.Kaya Camp and Jasmine Farmer are outstanding in their respective rolesof young Lena and young Nettie. They are also supported by first-timeactor Lamar Perkins, Jr. as young Royal. A moving portrayal of ayoungster showing off his reading ability is provided by youngChristopher Hayward, Jr. Natalie Richardson and Santana Shelton in theroles of the teen-aged Lena and Nettie, respectively, are superb intheir limited screen time.Along with the aforementioned performers, memorable turns are providedby supporting players Susie Spears, Frank Roberts, and Deborah CallawayDuke.As far as the principal cast is concerned, they are as talented astalented can get. Chris Burns dons the "black hat" role of the son ofthe farmer Lena was forced to kill. Brown is quite effective,especially in the scene wherein he physically assaults Baker. Veteranheavy Michael Rooker brings a bit of pathos to his"good-old-boy-sheriff" role and exemplifies how law officials of thepast had to enforce convictions that they knew were wrong.Beverly Todd is captivating as Lena Baker's mother. Her part is one ofquiet strength and love for her daughter and Todd tackles the role thatonly an actor of unlimited talent could do.Though his part may be considered the "villain" of the piece, PeterCoyote manages to convey a bit of sympathy as the abusive and alcoholic"Mr. Arthur." Because of Wilcox's excellent screenplay, viewers see inCoyote's part the "grays" that so many have, neither good nor bad butsomewhere in the middle. Coyote, a longtime veteran of movies andtelevision, usually immerses himself in whatever role he takes and thistime is no different.He is magnificent.Because Tichina Arnold is primarily known for her comedic roles in suchtelevision fare as "Martin" and "Everybody Hates Chris," her role asLena Baker is riveting. Every time that she is on screen, she owns it.She has managed to create one of the most memorable characters incinematic history, a woman that due to the conditions of hersurroundings and the times in which she lived, was forced to compromiseher religious teachings and upbringing, ultimately being forced into asituation that could only end tragically.Particularly effective is her first scene with Todd as mother anddaughter are reunited after Lena's first brush with the law. Arnold isequally impressive in the final confrontation between Baker and Arthur,as well as the emotionally-draining scenes of the preparation forBaker's execution.A review of the film would not be complete without giving credit tocinematographer Michael Shawn Lewallen and composer Todd Cochran.Lewallen has given the film's South Georgia location shots the "look"of a more expensive production and several scenes show the expanse ofthe rural south most effectively. Cochran deftly combines traditionalhymns with subtle underscoring that never overpowers a scene, providingthe perfect musical accompaniment to a film of such power.The film is headed for Cannes later this year and if there is anyjustice in this world, "The Lena Baker Story" should come back with aboatload of honors for the director/screenwriter, the producers, theunparalleled cast, and other contributors to this monumental cinematicachievement.

2013-04-26 07:43:54

GREAT

This review is from: Lena Baker Story (DVD) This movie was great. I didn't even know that this movie was made. My wife cried at the end as for me I wanted to jump in that movie and tear a new hole in that guy.lol

2013-04-20 04:18:10

This is a must watch story!

This review is from: The Lena Baker Story (DVD) I cried and I contemplated what if's and I was angry and I was sad...yet I pray for the injustice on behalf of the children of Lena Baker and I hope that some peace is derived from this work. Great job Tichina! This is history.... it should be manadatory viewing for every Georgia History class.

2013-04-19 15:28:37

outstanding story

This review is from: The Lena Baker Story (Amazon Instant Video) Tichina Arnold was BRILLENT in this movie ... I'm just Speechless !!!! WONDERFUL story play by a very WONERDFUL ACTRESS !!!!!!

2013-03-29 22:10:32

GREAT

This review is from: The Lena Baker Story (DVD) This movie was great. I didn't even know that this movie was made. My wife cried at the end as for me I wanted to jump in that movie and tear a new hole in that guy.lol

2013-03-29 06:23:53

Black Women have went through it and still going........

This review is from: The Lena Baker Story (DVD) COMPELLING TRUST A MUST SEE! IT IS IMPORTANT FOR US TO KNOW OUR STRUGGLE CAUSE THERE IS SO MANY MORE STORIES TO TELL!

2013-03-29 16:27:42

So sad, new meaning to the word abuse

This review is from: The Lena Baker Story (DVD) I love true stories but, this has got to be one of the saddess movies I've ever watched. How could people be so cold-hearted and cruel. This was more of a documentary, it seemed unreal because she had no other life than being abused by a man, yet she had three children (none of which were his). The movie never showed her having a relationship with anyone except her mom, children and the abuser who stole her away in the night.

2013-03-29 00:22:29

THOUGHT PROVOKING

This review is from: The Lena Baker Story (DVD) I have said it many times and still believe that if I lived back in theses days of slavery, I would have been dead.This woman endured too much for the sake of this fool that seemed obsessed by a man who couldn't stand up for her when it was needed. A mother and children lost her due to ignorance and silly laws because of the color of skin.A precious life lost,and to see and say but it still goes on today .This movie get a 10.

2013-03-27 09:13:29

Blu-ray is of exceptionally poor quality and movie misses the mark

The Blu-Ray release from Germany is of exceptionally poor quality. The image is not even of DVD quality and there is so much noise at times that the video is almost drowned out. The movie is about an important time period and yet it is almost trivialized. The writing was particularly stilted and the characters one dimensional. The end was a foregone conclusion and there was no sense of building to that point. I hope there is a better treatment of Lena Baker's life in the future. There was so much potential wasted.

2013-03-27 02:53:19

Lena Baker Story DVD

This review is from: Lena Baker Story (DVD) I received item I ordered exactly as it was described and how it appeared.I am very happy with the quality of merchandise and the delivery time.

2013-03-18 14:32:48

Sad Story of the life of Lena Baker

This review is from: The Lena Baker Story (DVD) Movie caused me to do research on Lena Baker to find out more about her story. On the other hand, the quality of the movie was poor. The actors actually did a very good job but the videography was poor. Having more money in the producers budget would have helped out alot.

2013-03-18 12:48:29

Good history lesson

This review is from: The Lena Baker Story (DVD) History behind it was good put the portrayal could have been better. You can tell the portrayal was in the directors direction and not the fault of the acting.

2013-03-15 00:21:44

Good movie!!

This review is from: Lena Baker Story (DVD) Great movie. I enjoyed the way the actors portrayed the characters also. Tichina Arcold starred in "Martin" didn't she? Well she was no buffoon in this movie. She is better in serious movies. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. It will never be for sale from me @ any yard sale. Thanks.Lena Baker Story

2013-03-14 08:27:41

Good story

This review is from: The Lena Baker Story (DVD) I had been researching Lena Baker for months and was happy to see that there was a movie about her. Overall, it was a pretty good movie, very straight to the point. I wish the acting was a little stronger from all the characters and I wish that they would have dug into her history more. They kind of brushed over her out of wedlock children, absentee father, etc. Overall not great but good.

2013-03-14 03:57:00

So sad, new meaning to the word abuse

This review is from: Lena Baker Story (DVD) I love true stories but, this has got to be one of the saddess movies I've ever watched. How could people be so cold-hearted and cruel. This was more of a documentary, it seemed unreal because she had no other life than being abused by a man, yet she had three children (none of which were his). The movie never showed her having a relationship with anyone except her mom, children and the abuser who stole her away in the night.

quantize 2013-03-13 13:46:53

A little better perspective...

Here's a second, more sober and realistic review.This film has a very made-for-TV quality, and despite a decent cast,the acting and script is quite plain and corny...the music in particular is very hammy in some scenes (clearly theproducers and directors thought gospel singing throughout quiet dialogscenes was required to INSTRUCT the audience how to feel - a mark ofpoorly executed drama). The music cues are horribly instructive and robmost of the scenes of genuine depth.It's always a shame when a worthwhile story is told so poorly, but thisreeks of misconceived earnest intentions. You feel the desperation ofthe creators to elicit emotion, but it's so bogged down in contrivedmelodrama it misfires completely and will greatly disappoint anyonelooking for an insightful racial drama.That IMDb score needs to come down a bit closer to reality..it's noOscar material, that is most certain.

2013-02-15 17:16:20

Wrongly accused!

This review is from: The Lena Baker Story (DVD) Being born and raised in South Georgia I have always been interested in this great misscarriage of justice. I live about 40 miles from the town where this happened. When I learned about the saga of Lena Baker I went to the Library and looked this up. I could never understand how a white man could go to Lenas' house abduct her at gunpoint and nothing could be done. As I grew older and wiser I learned why nothing was done. Simply by the color of her skin.The movie makes every thing clear. Watch the movie and you will be enlightened of how things were in Georgia durings the 40's 50's and 60's and beyond!

2013-02-15 06:07:40

THOUGHT PROVOKING

This review is from: Lena Baker Story (DVD) I have said it many times and still believe that if I lived back in theses days of slavery, I would have been dead.This woman endured too much for the sake of this fool that seemed obsessed by a man who couldn't stand up for her when it was needed. A mother and children lost her due to ignorance and silly laws because of the color of skin.A precious life lost,and to see and say but it still goes on today .This movie get a 10.