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Spike Lee made a splash in the independent film world with his debut feature, an inventive low-budget romance with a strong-willed heroine. Nola Darling (Tracy Camilla Johns) can't decide among her three boyfriends: serious but sweet Jamie (Tommy Redmond Hicks), self-centered clotheshorse Greer (John Canada Terrell), and goofy, wisecracking bike messenger Mars Blackmon (Lee). Within this loose story line Lee launches into a character study of Darling and offers a slice of black urban life rarely seen on the screen. According to Lee's published diary, he interviewed dozens of women and gathered feedback on screenplay from female friends, and his efforts show. Nola is an unapologetic, sexually independent character who resists the efforts of the men in her life to change who she is to please them--the wonderful concluding twist thumbs its nose at romantic conventions and gives Nola her due. Lee combines direct address and documentary techniques with a simple, often elegant narrative style to create a multilayered portrait of Nola and her men and question perceptions and conventions of sex, sexuality, and relationships in the modern world. Though somewhat primitive in the light of his more accomplished works, this first feature introduces Lee as a fresh voice and a creative force to be reckoned with. --Sean Axmaker
Beyond She's Gotta Have It
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Product Description
SHE'S GOTTA HAVE IT formally introduced the name Spike Lee to audiences all over the world. The film, an intelligent comedy shot in black-and-white with one sequence of color, places--for among the first time--a young, bright African-American woman in the cinematic spotlight. Nola Darling (Tracy Camila Johns) is an attractive young woman with a problem--three problems to be exact. She is simultaneously being wooed by three hopeful, but hopeless, male suitors: Jamie (Tommy Redmond Hicks), a sensitive type who wants to settle down with her; Greer (John Canada Terrell), a narcissistic model who sees her as his trophy; and Mars Blackmon (Lee himself), an aggressive and funny bike messenger who makes her laugh. Nola is attracted to the best in each of them, but is unable to make up her mind as to whom she likes best. She even entertains the notion that something may be wrong with her, thinking perhaps she's oversexed. When a visit to a therapist fails to clear her mind, Nola finally comes
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
It's been WAYYYY too long, but finally Spike Lee's debut, "She's Gotta Have It" has made it to DVD! It has always astounded me that Spike's other films have made it to DVD long before this one, but in January 2008, those of us who are fans of his work will get our wish. The ripple effect of this movie in the twenty-plus years since its release has been an abundance of films made for and by black folks - some of them good, some bad - but the main thing is that "She's Gotta Have It" proved that movies starring black actors do indeed have an audience and inspired many others to step out and attempt to make the same impact.
In case you may be one of the few who are unaware of the plot behind this deliciously brash and sexy comedy, it focuses on the lead character Nola Darling (Tracy Camilla Johns), a young Brooklyn print artist that has not one, but three lovers, all who feel that they are the right man for her. Nola makes no apologies for the type of woman she is...a virile, independent being who enjoys sex and enjoys giving it to whomever she is dealing with. She makes it known what it is she wants from a man, and the three that she juggles here are all sprung by her charms. She is the inattainable prize of these men who each want to have her to themselves. Of course, as the film progresses, they each are pushing her to make a choice between them, and she is unable to - and wondering just why she has to.
Nola's men are as different as day is from night: Jamie (Tommy Hicks), who is sweet, sensitive but possessive; Greer (John Canada Terrell), a narcissistic pretty-boy model who believes the world revolves around him and the loony offbeat homeboy on a bike, Mars (Spike Lee himself). The three guys represent qualities that Nola would probably like to find in one man, but since she hasn't, she deals with three.
Filmed on location in Spike's beloved Brooklyn on a bare-bones budget in 1986 in mostly black and white, this independent gem looks very much like a documentary at times, with characters talking to the camera. It was a very effective method and almost makes you feel like you are looking through a window at this young woman's love life. Some people have been critical of this movie, saying it portrays black women as promiscuous. But truthfully speaking, men have exhibited the same kind of "loose" behavior for centuries and they get pats on the back and told that they are "THE MAN". In sharp contrast, women get bashed if they live their lives the way Nola does in this film - a true double standard. She brings this up in the movie, and although you may not totally agree with her logic, you have to admit that she is on point.
The only real "negative" message I can see in "She's Gotta Have It" is the fact that this woman has three lovers in the age of AIDS, but aside from that, I have to commend Spike for continuing to make films that show various sides of black life, in either a humorous or serious light (or sometimes both at once) that were not normally shown to the mainstream. His work is essential, inspirational and of great historical value in African-American culture - hell, in AMERICAN culture, period! Add this movie to your Spike collection if you haven't done so already!
Update: Slightly disappointing about the DVD packaging is that there are no extras - no director's commentary, interviews with the cast or outtakes/deleted scenes (although the budget may not allowed for too many of those). These are things I would have liked to see included on the DVD, but I'll take this just the way it is! :)
In case you may be one of the few who are unaware of the plot behind this deliciously brash and sexy comedy, it focuses on the lead character Nola Darling (Tracy Camilla Johns), a young Brooklyn print artist that has not one, but three lovers, all who feel that they are the right man for her. Nola makes no apologies for the type of woman she is...a virile, independent being who enjoys sex and enjoys giving it to whomever she is dealing with. She makes it known what it is she wants from a man, and the three that she juggles here are all sprung by her charms. She is the inattainable prize of these men who each want to have her to themselves. Of course, as the film progresses, they each are pushing her to make a choice between them, and she is unable to - and wondering just why she has to.
Nola's men are as different as day is from night: Jamie (Tommy Hicks), who is sweet, sensitive but possessive; Greer (John Canada Terrell), a narcissistic pretty-boy model who believes the world revolves around him and the loony offbeat homeboy on a bike, Mars (Spike Lee himself). The three guys represent qualities that Nola would probably like to find in one man, but since she hasn't, she deals with three.
Filmed on location in Spike's beloved Brooklyn on a bare-bones budget in 1986 in mostly black and white, this independent gem looks very much like a documentary at times, with characters talking to the camera. It was a very effective method and almost makes you feel like you are looking through a window at this young woman's love life. Some people have been critical of this movie, saying it portrays black women as promiscuous. But truthfully speaking, men have exhibited the same kind of "loose" behavior for centuries and they get pats on the back and told that they are "THE MAN". In sharp contrast, women get bashed if they live their lives the way Nola does in this film - a true double standard. She brings this up in the movie, and although you may not totally agree with her logic, you have to admit that she is on point.
The only real "negative" message I can see in "She's Gotta Have It" is the fact that this woman has three lovers in the age of AIDS, but aside from that, I have to commend Spike for continuing to make films that show various sides of black life, in either a humorous or serious light (or sometimes both at once) that were not normally shown to the mainstream. His work is essential, inspirational and of great historical value in African-American culture - hell, in AMERICAN culture, period! Add this movie to your Spike collection if you haven't done so already!
Update: Slightly disappointing about the DVD packaging is that there are no extras - no director's commentary, interviews with the cast or outtakes/deleted scenes (although the budget may not allowed for too many of those). These are things I would have liked to see included on the DVD, but I'll take this just the way it is! :)
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By D. Hartley
Format:DVD
One of director Spike Lee's earlier, funny films (his debut, actually). A sexy, hip, and fiercely independent young woman (Tracy Camilla Johns) juggles relationships with three men (who are all quite aware of each other's existence). Lee steals his own movie by casting himself as the goofiest and most memorable of the three suitors- "Mars", a hilarious trash-talking Brooklyn version of the classic Woody Allen nebbish. Lee milks maximum laughs from the huffing and puffing by the competing paramours, as they each jockey for the alpha position (and makes keen observations about sexist machismo and male vanity along the way). Spike's dad Bill Lee composed a lovely jazz-pop score. Despite being a little rough around the edges (due to low budget constraints) it was still a groundbreaking film in the context of modern independent cinema, and an empowering milestone for an exciting new wave of talented African-American filmmakers who followed in its wake.
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
This is the film that gave Spike Lee his rise. It is a brilliant first film. Why is the movie viewing public having to wait for the release of this historical film on DVD and for that matter why is Girl 6 not on DVD. Every Spike Lee film ever made should now be available on DVD. She's Got to Have It on DVD NOW!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of Spike's best movies
Probably one of Spikes best movies and shows themes tat carry through most of his following movies. The cast was excellent and believable. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Van Roundtree
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great movie!!
This film's message challenges people's perspectives on gender bias, double standards, and obviously sex.
Another vintage and classic Spike Lee joint!
Another vintage and classic Spike Lee joint!
Published 3 months ago by ProfessorQue
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great
Product came quickly. Movie was great and even received a friendly letter from the sender. Everything was perfect. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Jeremy
5.0 out of 5 stars
Memories
It was a pleasure watching this classic again. working on building my collection and this was a wonderful addition to my collection. thank you for making this happen.
Published 12 months ago by K. H. Henley
5.0 out of 5 stars
She's Gotta Talk about it!!!
This Spike Lee Joint is worth the time and the movie itself is like a stance that says the woman can have her cake and eat it as well.....Don't hate immulate..
Published 14 months ago by Rosemary Barr-winborn
5.0 out of 5 stars
Have been looking for this film!!
The Original Spike Lee!! Utilizing black and white film for the production and contrasting with color for the dance sequence and ending the way it began make for a powerful... Read more
Published 15 months ago by dking1230
4.0 out of 5 stars
Sexual
I admirer Spike Lee's movies. He set the bar high for african americans cinema, his films have interesting subjects. Read more
Published on June 24, 2010 by Carl Mickens
5.0 out of 5 stars
ITS GREAT
& FUNNY TO ME. I LIKED THE TRUTHFULNESS IN THE MOVIE. I LIKED HOW DIFFERENTNESS OF THE MEN CHARACTERS WAS. THE LADY IS CUTE& SHE LOOKS LIKE KELIS. Read more
Published on April 18, 2010 by L. PARKER
1.0 out of 5 stars
A WEAK SPIKE LEE JOINT
First off, I would only recommend buying this film if you've already seen it. I have not seen a lot of Spike Lee stuff. Read more
Published on February 5, 2010 by Scottyrobot
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good!
A 1980's look at a women's relationship with three different men. As she is pressured into deciding between them, the answer she comes up with leads to real trouble and a... Read more
Published on February 1, 2010 by C. Alford
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