If Beale Street Could Talk Review | Are there any Black Love Stories?

[@SaharaKnows]

I’m over the black struggle love narrative but the movie was beautifully shot. Can we elevate our promotion in the media though? It wasn’t romantic, it was depressing. I don’t think I’ve ever seen “elevated” black love on TV.

[@oliviatheresa]

Can't wait to read this book and see the film! Go Tell It On The Mountain was also made into a good tv movie in the 80s I think.

[@LEFTONREAD]

I hope you’ve seen it! And ooo good to know! I will have to look up GTIOTM to watch. Thanks!

[@cocochanel3812]

Just finished reading the book , wanted to wait to watch this but have not seen the movie . The book was heartfelt . Like some of the lines I felt in my soul how deep and true their love was. But I do feel like the book abruptly ended 😢.

[@LEFTONREAD]

That ending was a lot and also vague. Like what the heck just happened? I agree with you! I would have talked about the ending but didn’t want to spoil anything. The movie takes its liberties with the ending. Also yes some of those words pierced me (in the book).

[@larrywilliams2956]

Good podcast. I watched the movie last night. I'm near 40, while watching the first act I saw parallels between my parents or their contemporaries on film at the beginning of their relationship. You two touched on this speaking on the lack of black love stories.

[@LEFTONREAD]

Thanks for your POV and feed back! I believe this story is able to relate /connect to multiple generations for that very reason! The story felt somewhat familiar, and engrossing.

[@LEFTONREAD]

If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin amzn.to/2H8B9q6 Affiliate link If you purchase any books (does not affect price): www.bookdepository.com/?a_aid=leftonread

[@abrown5620]

RE: Love & Basketball Can't a movie just be a movie? They all aren't made to be a depiction of "real life", MOST times it's just entertainment.

[@LEFTONREAD]

A Brown yes they can. That’s why I said it’s one of my faves.

[@blueviolets2106]

Loved this video. Haven't read the book or seen the movie yet

[@LEFTONREAD]

Blue Violets ❤️🤗

[@ReadReceipts]

Can't wait! I haven't read the book yet but I did see the movie and I want to do a discussion video.

[@SheWantstheDiction]

never seen any of these films, but Love & Basketball sounds problematic af. Beale Street is on my TBR though! sad that depictions of black love are so rare. I would love to know how you guys feel about Atlanta, Sorry to Bother You, Get Out, Moonlight, Black Panther etc., or even depictions of interracial romance like in The Hate U Give or Everything, Everything. ✌️

[@Cagon415]

Now I know why so many women don't like love & basketball. She was basically in the friendzoned the whole movie 😂. "Oohh naw! Are they cursing they mommas in Spain?" My favorite line in the movie.

[@Ray-ui1pm]

I loved this.

[@Lauriette31]

"Love Jones" IS a black love story. Love does not happen without trials or obstacles. "Love & Basketball" was just horrible.

[@LEFTONREAD]

BELauriette 🤣🤣🤣 I liked love & basketball... as a movie. But their relationship, absolutely not🙅🏾‍♀️! Love jones is still one of my favorite movies! I couldn’t get into all of my quotes from that, but the car ride when she says “it was like it just spoke to me” and her friend says what did it say and she was like “Nina Ninaaaa” 😩🤣. Love that freaking movie!

[@Jayisevolving]

I completely agree I’m not bashing love and basketball but I’ve ALWAYS said Love Jones is more realistic and more relatable 🥰

[@MyCozyLittleLibrary]

Thoughful commentary on Love and Basketball. It's a classic for the culture, but come to think of it, he only really humbled himself after he "tore his acl!" Like, he had to lose his career before he realized her value in his life. Late!

[@LEFTONREAD]

Lol yeah. It’s a cult classic and I love and own the film (like I said so many lines etc) but that is a love story I definitely was like ummmm nahhh I’m good off that lol. Very entertaining though!

[@walkinthewoods981]

Brown Sugar is a great movie 🎥

[@maryammalik455]

Their Eyes Were Watching God is a love story.

[@LEFTONREAD]

Maryam Malik Yes I like that story; I do see it more as the story of Janie and her life that included her love life though. It followed her and multiple relationships. All that being said, yes there are plenty romance films we didn’t mention ( poetic justice, brown sugar, how Stella go her groove back etc which Love Jones still previously reigned supreme for me); I just feel like “If Beale Street could talk” was a refreshing and profound take for a film heavily and almost solely based on love.

[@maryammalik455]

LEFT ON READ btw I DMed you on Instagram