Product Details

• Actors: Olivia Cole, James Bond III, Margaret Avery, Cleavon Little, Chez Lister
• Directors: Stan Lathan
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Language: English
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Monterey Video
• VHS Release Date: November 11, 1998
• Run Time: 46 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6300198553
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #202,008 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars FORCED TO SEE GRAY, August 27, 2001

By 

Bonita L. Davis - See all my reviews

This review is from: American Short Story Collection: The Sky Is Gray [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Young James' world is limited to the Negro Quarters of rural Louisiana until a tootache forces him into a world he never imagined. A trip into town to get a tooth pulled ends up as a classroom for life's lessons and ambiguities. Set in the early 1940's, "The Sky is Gray", is the film adaptation of Ernest Gaines' short story. It is a classic piece in that a young Black boy comes face to face with the contradictions in the black and white adult world. Seen through an adolescent's eyes you will feel his surprise, raise his questions and share his hurts. This wonderful film is sensitive in its portrayal of a young boy forced to grow up in a hostile world. Gaines' black and white characters move beyond the stereotypes of southern society. Through James' eyes you see a young man confronting the slave mentality of a preacher while waiting for his dental appointment. You see James' mother attempting to maintain her dignity and pride when she knows her earnings are meager.Yet you find a woman who is willing to accept kindness, on her own terms. She makes it clear to her son that they are not beggers but working people. Most of all this film teaches us the lessons youth must be forced to learn especially if they're in an environment that is determined to keep them poor, ignorant and disenfranchised. James' mother must force him to grow up fast before he is consumed by the world. James sees the grays in this adult world but there is hope that he will be able to overcome the obstacles. This is a beautiful story about adolescence, becoming a man and learning how to live with dignity and pride regardless of your status. You will enjoy this touching story that reaches into your heart and fills you with joy for James and all young boys who must walk a similar path.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Liteature brought to life!, January 14, 2007

By 

ChicDiva "Truepoet28" (Brewton, AL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Sky Is Gray (DVD)

I first discovered this film at my college library. I had heard of the author's ...Miss Jane Pittman but was soon delighted to discover this gem. I've watched it over and over again. Read the short story or watch the film, the film remains true to the story. And each time many messages may be spoken in this film. One message in particular: Life is what you perceive it to be not what others say it is. The moral of the story can be found throughout the film and 1 important moral can be found in the dentist office scene. Remember, "Grass is black and the wind is pink." This is one of my favorite lines as well as is this one: "It's green 'cause they say its green." Eveyone can take something from this film/short story.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Full of vignettes of feelings, February 22, 2011

By 

Jim C. - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Sky Is Gray (DVD)

This very touching story leaves you wishing for more. Its open-ended storyline invites the viewer to imagine a much larger story, a family's closeness in a time of unspeakable hardship. What an expression of dignity, and respect! This is an essential.