Five Significant Films to Black Culture

By: Sydnee Walcott 

Movies are a unique form of entertainment that touch upon cultural, political, and social issues.  

The film industry has achieved mass success in culture that consumes its audiences. Films offer a dimension of relatable life lessons, struggles, and solutions that viewers appreciate.  

Since the early days of filmmaking, Black filmmakers have continued to create films that did not always relate to the Hollywood culture, norms, and standards.  

A variety of Black films explored topics such as Black identity and race while breaking down harmful stereotypes that were commonly perpetrated in mainstream movies.  

In the early days, a majority of Black filmmakers were independent and relied on their own revenues and local talent to help bring their films and cinematic vision to life.  

Although there is still work left to be done, Black filmmakers have come a long way in the industry with the memorable success they have provided. A majority of these films hold significance within the Black community. 

Outlined are five films with relevant plots that outline Black culture and its powerful significance. 

New Jack City (1991) 

Taking place during the crack of the epidemic in the 1980s, the dangers of drugs, and the impact addictions have on loved ones is not the only topic this film highlights. 

The film also highlights illicit activities drug dealers are willing to engage in to rise to the top of the drug trade.  

Nino Brown, played by actor Wesley Snipes, is a drug tycoon in the film, and operates an illicit drug ring under the name of The Cash Money brothers. As a ruthless and bold leader, Nino transforms his drug operation into a multimillion-dollar empire through his  masterful efforts.  

Two officers, Scotty, played by Ice-T and Nick, played by Judd Nelson work as a team to bring down Brown’s operation by conforming to his plan and going undercover.  

Boyz In The Hood (1991) 

Boyz In The Hood is one of the first notable films to address the reality of life for African Americans. It is a coming of age story for those who grew up in inner-city areas from childhood. 

Some of the issues the film touches on are gang related violence, hate speech, police brutality, weak law enforcement, and gentrification.  

Tre is played by Cuba Gooding Jr, who is the main character of the movie. He is sent to reside with his father, Furious Styles, played by Laurence Fishbourne in the Crenshaw area of South Central Los Angeles, as a young child.  

Growing up in an inner-city area, Tre and one of his friends, Ricky, a talented athlete, have avoided trouble. However, the same cannot be said for Ricky’s brother, Doughboy, and their other friends who have engaged in constant trouble and rebellious acts.  

One thing that is very noticeable within the film is that Tre is fortunate to have a father who is willing to help him stay on the right path to avoid being another tragic statistic within the inner-city area.  

His father is able to provide the help, resources, and support to be an influential role model for Tre. This movie demonstrates that good parenting can provide guidance that is critical in the early stages of development among children. 

Waiting to Exhale (1995) 

While the four main characters of the film are excelling in their careers, all four of them have experienced shortcomings in their romantic lives as they struggle to find a good life partner to commit to.  

Savannah, played by Whitney Houston and Robin, played by Lela Rochon have engaged in relationships with married men with each of them hoping their lovers would part from their wives for them.  

While Bernadine, played by Angela Bassett is left by her husband for his mistress Gloria, played by Loretta Devine seeks love after her son’s father comes out as gay. 

In the end, Savannah and Robin realize the situation dealing with married men and accept the fact that it is okay to be single. Bernadine finds love with a widower and Gloria finds love with a new neighbour.  

Fun Fact: The soundtrack for the film consists of only female African American artists. 

The Princess and the Frog (2009) 

Based on the classic fairytale, this Disney animated film tells the story of a hardworking young woman named Tiana, played by Anika Noni Rose, who dreams of opening up a fancy restaurant in her hometown of New Orleans.  

Things take a different path when Prince Naveen, played by Bruno Campos, has been turned into a frog and begs for Tiana for a kiss after mistaking her for a frog. Tina turns into a frog and the two go on a mission in hopes to transition back to humans with the help of a powerful and magical voodoo priestess. 

What makes this film significant to Black culture is the fact that Tiana became one of Disney’s first Black princesses. This milestone is significant as it gives young Black girls the ability to embody that form of representation on the big screen.  

Black Panther (2018)  

Following the death of his father, T’Challa, played by Chadwick Boseman returns home to uphold his title as the King of Wakanda.  

When faced against a powerful enemy who plans to put the fate of Wakanda in a crisis, T’Challa must tactfully use his powers as king and as the Black Panther to defeat his woes and save his people.  

The film was recognized as a monumental moment for Black people as the film celebrated African culture, incorporated a diverse cast and director, and told the story of Black Panther, the first superhero of African descent and one of the first Black comic book characters.  

Each of these five films pay tribute to Black culture in various ways. They convey stories on the realities Black people face on a daily basis. They also celebrate Black culture and provide audiences with a diverse cast.