Customer Reviews

For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow Is Enuf (Broadway Theatre Archive) [VHS]

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The performances in this are spectacular. Shange's poetry comes alive.

However, there are two problems I have with this. First, is that one of the poems is left out entirely (latent rapist). Second, they have men in the film that speak some of the words. I think the power of "for colored girls" comes from the words only coming from women, since this play is for girls from women's mouths.

Still an amazing piece of artistry, and better than not seeing it live at all.

I have been looking for this video for at least 10 years! I gave up a few years ago. I was just doing a random search and I can't believe it's been on Amazon all this time! There are no words to describe this play. The older I get, each poem takes on a new and deeper meaning. I am overjoyed to own a copy of this extraordinary work.

Great work! I have heard parts of this play through out the years- but I was not expecting to see or hear-what I heard and what I saw on this dvd. It is off the chain! If you want to see real black talent- check it out! Also big props to Lynn Whitfield (damn- she is too sexy in this short skirt and midriff blouse- walking down the street- and giving it up real- This women can act and has great command of the stage (also see her work in "Zora is my name!"-another tour deforce- for above the board talent- regardless of the color of the production! & a big shout out to Mrs.Ruby Dee). Ms. Woodard is one of the main reasons why I purchased this dvd - I wanted to view her earlier work and she is up in here-giving it up! In one scene- this dark beauty is sitting in a chair with a night gown on-trying to make sure those legs stay crossed. lol
In my book-Alfre is one the greatest actors in the world- and she still hasn't gotten her props. This woman has a great body of work and she can ACT! All of the actors in this project come through with flying colors, and I really enjoyed watching this dvd. Also the writing is very, very tight. Playwriting at its best. Now I see what all the fuss was about! Talent up the Ying yang.

I had the distinct pleasure of actually viewing this work while it was on Broadway. It was presented with such grace and impressionism that the messages contained therein have remained lucid in my mind for over 20 years. I was a mere teen at the time, and in early adulthood, I finally read the book. I can remember my Mom reading it after me and remarking how if she'd known the language was so strong, she may not have allowed me to see it at the theatre. However, it has been my experience that strong individuals have to use only the strongest and effective means when communicating "the" message. Although I have not yet viewed the video, I am sure that the focus couldn't have diminished much from it's origin as impeccable works of art only get better with time. Hats off to Sister Shange for keeping it real...even way back then!!

Early reviews are seeping in on the feature film Tyler Perry version of this great play. While scanning Amazon, much to my delight, I found the original PBS version that I fell in love with. At the time, I had an old Akai (is that company even still around) VHS player that drug on significant parts of the play. But the power of Lynn Whitfield (my introduction) and Alfre Woodward's (also my introduction) performances are undeniable. I remember watching this play repeatedly and being swept by its sad emotive powers. There are so many budding actors that perform in this play version that if it is your first time, you will be impressed.

The play is so strong it is hard to imagine that Tyler Perry really does as poor a job directing as early reviews from Variety and Hollywood Reporter are indicating.

No one is disputing the strong acting job in the forthcoming feature film so I am not sure what all the drama is about.

But do yourself a favor and take in this version. I am sure it is as good if not better than the forthcoming feature film.

Like a previous reviewer, I too searched for a copy of this tele-play for years until on a whim, I search Amazon and viola!! - bought it!

I remember seeing the teleplay on PBS so many years ago and the memories of the performances of all of the ladies stayed with me but especially those of the young & talented future stars - Alfre Woodard & Lynn Whitfield.

Having read the novel first, I was impressed by the way the stories were brought to life in front of my eyes and I loved how the first "poem" was translated to song and sung by the magnificent, Patti LaBelle.

I'd highly recommend this to fans of not only the aforementioned actresses but also of the works of Ntozake Shange.

I enjoyed this DVD! I remembered seeing this on TV as a child. If you are a collector of DVD's such as myself this is a must have.Tyler Perry is making this DVD a movie, and it would be great to have the original classic before you run out and buy the Tyler Perry's movie,you will be able to relate to his movie/characters better. It would be like you read the book before you see the movie.

I did enjoy this film and the actors were some of my favorites. However, the raw emotion and up close, in your face shared experiences did not come across as strongly as in the stage play. I don't remember the names of the actresses that played Alfie Woodard and Lynn Whitfields part in the original stage performance but they were definately missed in the movie.

I had to see the original play because when It first opened in 1972 I was barely legal. It was confusing then because of where my head was, but now it is emotional, powerful and dramatic. This author was so in tune with the era and making a statement that we could relate to. I hope Tyler Perry can uphold the integrity of this play. (I'm sure he has put much thought and time into the remake) I haven't watched the new version (2010) yet, but I can't wait!! I felt I needed to watch this older version so that I could watch the newer version with more understanding.

after having this for a year, I finally watched it a few months ago. great spoken word dvd. the feeling that the women express, makes it more enjoyable. it was weird seeing Alfree Woodard and Lynne Whitfield, before they were famous, but still looking the same. i really enjoyed this dvd.