Love Jones (1997) User Reviews

I love a good love story.

[antneon · 8/10 · 2 December 2020]

A friend said that this was her favorite movie so I finally got around to watching it.

I loved it. I love the story, I love that this was done in 1997 and the actors were about my age at that time. I love the music and dialog. I thought the actors and production were great.

....but damn is it frustrating to watch 2 young people that are good for each other make mistakes! Then again, that's what young people do.

The most recent review gave it a 3 because Darius was was "a stalker". I wrote my friend last night and said similar! 20+ years ago it wouldn't have been as big of a deal to figure out someone's address and just show up at their house. Now it seems a bit creepy. Times have changed and I have changed. I thought about that last night.

So, it's a little dated in a few ways, and some may not enjoy this film because of that. However, if you were in your 20s (or teens or 30s) in the 1990s, and you want a love story, then you'll love this.

Love, Chicago Style

[gavin6942 · 7/10 · 5 July 2016]

Darius Lovehall is a young black poet in Chicago who starts dating Nina Moseley, a beautiful and talented photographer. While trying to figure out if they've got a "love thing" or are just "kicking it," they hang out with their friend, talking about love and sex. Then Nina tests the strength of Darius' feelings and sets a chain of romantic complications into motion.

While the film received favorable critical reviews, the film was not a financial success but it remains a cult following because of its realistic characters and unorthodox take on the romance genre. It is also Theodore Witcher's only directorial work to date (2016). The producers of the film said that they wanted to make a modern film about African-American life that did not use violence and recreational drugs as elements in the story.

I am not big on romantic stories, and I am not big on many so-called "black movies". But I think the folks behind this one did everything right. The idea to avoid drugs and violence was smart, because why should every movie featuring African-Americans reinforce the stereotype of the ghetto or criminal behavior? This just sets a bad example.

However, "Love Jones" avoids that trap and makes it a deeper story about love, dating, and the difference between casual and serious relationships. On a personal note, I love the Chicago setting. As a midwesterner, very few movies are set in my area. Chicago is about as close as they ever come... so it is nice to see somewhere outside of LA and New York.

Perfect music

[yvonne v v · 8/10 · 31 July 2003]

Working in a music store, my collegue first tipped me this soundtrack. The music of this movie is perfect. One of my favorite CD's. Only years later I saw the movie, I was afraid it would not fulfill my high expectations, luckily it did. A feel good romantic love story.

Beautifully Human (Sorry Ms. Jill Scott)

[EmJayWun · 16 September 2004]

This is in my top 5 when I name my favorite movies of all time. There wasn't a single character in this movie that didn't act more than they were. The hardest role in a movie may BE to perhaps, play someone that you'd see everyday, or someone that you'd be everyday, and they pull it off so naturally. It just reminded me SO much about how me and my peeps would kick it on weekends...one couch...snacks, and crazy stories and philosophies on life. I love nights like that. To add to it, who WOULDN'T want to have the type of relationship that Nia and Larenz endured? Good or Bad...it was so sexy and warm and black and beautiful...Definitely a keeper, and PACKED with unforgettable quotes that ALL can relate to. Definitely somethin for the movie collection.

Love without blinders

[MeYesMe · 6/10 · 4 December 1998]

Love Jones gives a clear-eyed look at modern romance: the excitement, confusion, depression, and game playing. The couple at the center of the story, Nina (Nia Long) and Darius (Larenz Tate) play it frustratingly "safe", often guessing incorrectly what the other is feeling. While my reaction was that I wanted to reach in and bonk their heads together, I recognized the story as real and the acting as top-notch.

That said, the real reason to see this film is for the secondary cast. Nina and Darius are the stars, but it's the witty dialogue of Savon, Sheila, Ed, and Wood that makes me recommend this film.

classic

[johnblazex · 10/10 · 5 December 2000]

After viewing this movie, lets say, around 8 times, the story line has never bored me. Each character has their own distinct personality and their own views of "love". This movie has timeless, almost realistic, love lessons. Filled with philosophies on love, a jazzy soundtrack, and great actors is why I would call it a classic.

Intriguing film

[vincentlynch-moonoi · 7/10 · 4 September 2021]

To start off with, I just have to say that I've never understood why Larenz Tate isn't at the top of his profession, or even at the top of his profession in terms of African American actors. And this film is another example of why I feel he is underrated.

This film is going to appeal mostly to African American audiences. It's too bad, because this old white guy enjoyed this movie. One of the biggest things this film has going for it is simply that it is different. Yes, it's a variation on the theme boy meets girl, boy loses girl...and ultimately they get their act together. Nothing so different about that. But the 'environment' they live in and interact in is rather unique, and, to be honest, quirky...quirky enough to add interest to the story. The dialog is great and a step above most films, and it's cleverly written.

I've already mentioned the fine performance by Larenz Tate, but there's an equally fine performance by Nia Long, a fine actress in most everything I've seen her in. Bill Bellamy -- a sort of protagonist -- is also very good here, although his character is more run-of-the-mill; essentially, his character is a pain in the butt and out-of-his-league. I'll tell you who is not impressive here -- Isaiah Washington. Despite his weirdness off-screen, I've always felt he was a good actor; I don't feel that way about him in this film.

Recommended.

Why isnt there an award for Best Ensemble?

[kilakitu · 10/10 · 12 March 2003]

This movie features some of the best ensemble work I've seen in film or on stage. The actors play off each other with a skill and vivacity that in no way can be achieved through editing.

"Love Jones" a good story, period. But it is also an excellent portrayal of the urban, middle-income, twenty-something African-American set that is not often seen.

It was OK but I thought it was a little too fast for the characters to be romantic suddenly...

[Irishchatter · 7/10 · 5 June 2017]

The reason I ever wanted to watch this movie was because Nia Long was on the Fresh Prince of Bel Air and I never got around into seeing the movies she was involved in after the show. She really suited the role but to be honest in my opinion, I thought her character and Larenz Tates character went wayyyy too quick on each other. I would've preferred if both kinda took it slow. That way we wouldn't need to have issues with regards to both their exes and hiding them from each other. Seriously, that was a major turn off for me with this movie.

At least that was the only complaint I had while watching this movie. Both Long and Tates were good at their performances. Also other characters were good too!

Definitely recommend this movie if you're into romantic sloppy movies!

Great Love Story

[dspears76 · 10/10 · 1 July 2004]

This is my favorite love story it has every element that a good love story should have. Poetry, jazz, friendships the ups and downs in a relationships. Finally a movie that shows positive aspects of the black community. Larenz Tate was great I can't picture anyone else playing the role of Darius. He recited that poem like he had written it himself and meant every word. I own this movie and if I had the time I would watch it everyday it always makes me feel better and that's what a good movie should do. Also, the character Savon could not had been any better dealing with the subject of marriage. We would all like to find a Darius out there but most of us just settle for watching this movie. My vote is 10/10

The Urban Love Story

[Tame_Me · 10/10 · 8 December 2001]

One of my favorite movies of all time. Beautifully done, well written and well acted. It portrayed 20 something blacks in a way I don't think has yet been duplicated, and the dialog? Hmmmm, so stimulating. Makes me want to find love like that........

An Honest Review

[generationofswine · 3/10 · 22 September 2017]

I'm sorry. I heard about it on the radio and decided to give it a watch...but I am sorry, I just don't get it.

I kind of want to relate it to movies like 12 Angry Men and other dialogue driven flicks...Fall from I think the same year...but this was just...bland.

What you have here are people sitting around talking about sex. You have people walking around talking about their relationship.

Before Sunrise did kind of the same thing, but throughout you had the feeling of love that would be lost. This didn't really pull off that emotion.

It also didn't pull off the tension in many other dialogue driven movies...and it didn't pull off the humor either.

It did, however, develop characters very well, so it gets 3 Stars for great characters. But I just can't give it any more. The characters weren't eccentric enough to be appealing, they were just...normal. Normal would have worked if there was more of a plot, more of a goal.

Instead it felt like talking about your relationship with your girlfriend and then relating that conversation with your friends with no real direction and no one really entertaining and abnormal enough to latch onto.

INTELLIGENT AND HEARTFELT

[frank56 · 3 December 2001]

Love Jones explores the passionate and intelligent sides of love, and it does so deliciously. Larenz Tate and Nia Long deliver performances as understated as the film's smart jazz and R&B soundtrack -- their approaches give their characters dimension and depth. But make no mistake -- this film offers elements of entertainment and political correctness in director Theodore Witcher's offering of multi-layered African-American characters. If comparisons must be made, Love Jones compares to the best in Woody Allen's Annie Hall and Manhattan, as those films explore desire and passion through words in addition to physical attractions. Recommend this film to the scores of filmgoers who missed its limited theatrical release -- better yet, serve it up as a first course conversation starter during your next gathering with friends. It's sure to spark equally passionate discussion, and that's always a good thing.

The Ultimate Date Movie, with real insights on "The Big L"

[mizkwebb · 9/10 · 26 August 1999]

It's a shame this movie didn't get more play in theatres. It's a rich, textured love story with believable, all-too-human characters, who are too busy gaming and protecting their hearts to recognize The Real Thing when they experience it. One of the most pleasurable aspects of this movie is its setting in Chicago, among hip, artistic, literate, middle-class African-Americans who discuss poetry, music and literature. Another is his Royal Fineness, Larenz Tate -- and if you are even half a fan of his, you NEED to see this film! His boyish cockiness and vulnerability are perfect for the role of Darius. Nia Long also shines as Nina, who longs to tell Darius she loves him but is afraid the break "the Rules." A great movie to watch curled up on the couch with your sweetie!

Love Jones is a must-see, thought provoking masterpiece.

[tvcolbert · 10/10 · 25 December 1999]

Love Jones cleverly portrays young African-American men and women in a clear, positive, realistic sense. I feel that all of the actors and actresses were magnificent and really did a great job at capturing the mood. Nia Long and Larenz Tate worked well together and I hope to see more work from the two of them. As a matter of fact all of the actors/actresses did such a fine job it would be great to see another romantic-comedy from them. This movie can be compared to most any well-written, romantic comedy. If you have not seen this movie already I strongly recommend that you do, it can definitely give you another perspective on life and love.

I just love this movie

[jhakgrl25 · 10/10 · 5 July 2000]

I think this is one of the best movies of all time. I just think it shows realistically what romance and especially black romance is all about. Would love to know what others think as well. The acting was just out done. Where is Tate anyway? It has been awhile since I have seen him in anything, however I think he has out did his acting performance in this movie!

Feels so good!

[ChristianneOtte · 10/10 · 10 January 2004]

I think it's about 3 years ago when I saw this movie. Accidentally I revisited the info-site for it here and immediately I felt good again! I remembered seeing this movie and loving life again! It showed me I could find love and what-do-you-know?? I have a boyfriend for a year and a half now and love is definitely there..

Not Good

[vito7 · 3/10 · 6 November 2008]

I didn't see this movie when it originally came out, but there has been a couple songs sharing the title and the term still gets used from time to time and I figured there must be something to the flick, so I dug it up and gave a view. Now I would like the approximate hour and forty five minutes of my life back(it seemed much longer). There was nothing particularly bad about the movie, the acting was good, no large plot holes, of course there wasn't much plot to have holes in. There just wasn't a lot to the movie. There was some chemistry between the two but nothing compelling about their relationship; Nothing interesting about their story. Near the end when he attempts to chase down the train to catch his fleeing romance, neither my wife nor I wanted him to catch her. Honestly we figured they were better off with out each other and if they did get back together we really didn't care. So what's that say about this love story when even a 25 year old sappy romantic like my wife had no emotional investment in the relationship. I should have left this one in the "missed" category.

Logan Lamech www.eloquentbooks.com/LingeringPoets.html

Love Jones is a wonderfully heart warming, original film.

[Dalila · 10/10 · 1 October 1999]

I have watched Love Jones over thirty times. It is one of the rare films that depict a love story about people who happen to be African-Americans. The dialogue was realistically written, and delivered with honesty. It was so nice to see a film where the story line centered on young professional African-Americans. This is virtually an untapped market. Love Jones was visually captivating as well. The chemistry between Lorenz Tate and Nia Long will bring memories of past and present love. The feeling of the film is jazz and blues, and brings to mine the sensuality of a warm creamy hot chocolate with a splash of Kahlua and Butterscotch. If you hadn't guessed, I loved it!

Excellent positive African-American Love Story A must see!

[brown_1155 · 10/10 · 7 June 2000]

This is a must for All but especially African Americans. It is about time there is a movie that expresses and shows the concerns going on in African American relationships. It also allows other cultures to see in a fictional humorous manner how positive African American relationships are and the outcomes of them instead of the undesirable stereotype that plagues the African American community. I love this film a must see!!

Great Actors & Great Love Story

[whpratt1 · 10/10 · 2 July 2006]

This film was filled with great acting, great musical sounds that blow your mind completely away. Larenz Tate,(Darius Lovehall),"Waist Deep",'06 was a sharp cat with the gals and he soon met his Waterloo with Nia Long,(Nina Mosley),"Big Momma's House",2000. Nina put her heart and soul into this role and when she meets up with Darius, the sparks fly at first and then there is a sort of hate relationship. The entire cast of actors made this a very entertaining film, with plenty of comedy, drama and lots of loving and cheating going on. This is a very down to earth film and at the same time shows how everyone eventually has his and her destiny in life and are placed in their little corner of this big world. Great film, enjoy !

Giving Respect where Respect is Due!

[universoulove · 10/10 · 23 October 2005]

Love Jones is one of the best movies I've experienced.

The main element that sticks out to me is the fact that it is very well-directed. I have studied this film in it's entirety - with watching movies more than once, certain things dawn on you subconsciously - the direction of this movie, as well as the writing, is chic, hip, and artful! I am in love with the direction. The scene where Larenz Tate and Nia Long are riding the motorcycle through north Chicago at night is astonishing. The director of this movie DESERVED awards for his great job.

Love Jones is a classy and sexy film. It highlights the fact that we can be people who love, who have flaws, who love living, learning, and just being us without the hype. Being our Natural selves.

The poetry is wonderful, but the story line, the dialog, and the scenes really make this movie.

This movie deserves to be seen. It is a great movie for lovers and friends to sit back and watch, or, the hopeless romantic (like myself) to sit back and enjoy alone on a Friday or Saturday night. Any day of the week where peace, solitude, and a little entertainment is needed, Love Jones is what I recommend.

A romantic-comedy with a touch of soul

[Ant-35 · 7 June 1999]

Even though I should be working right now, I feel compelled to write about this excellent romance/comedy, especially since there's only one other review about Love Jones. The backdrop is New York in the 1990's and the story focuses on two main characters in their mid 20's. They meet, date, fall in love, fall out of love... you know, the whole nine yards. While it may seem to be your run-of-the-mill romance/comedy in the same playing field as "When Harry Met Sally" and "Sleepless In Seattle", there are two major differences that set "Love Jones" apart. Firstly, the music in this movie is perfect, ranging from hip-hop grooves, soul rhythms, and even classy jazz... it's not to far-fetched that the music truly adds more character to the film than the actors. Second, the supporting cast delivers a great performance, and in some cases, eclipses the lead actor and actress. I would really like to rant out, but time barely permits me. My only concern is that the film is "tailored" somewhat to the dating scene of the mid-twenties, especially those like hip-hop or R & B. Lastly, I saw this movie with a bunch of guys, and if there's anything as a romantic/comedy for guys, I think this could be considered one on my list.

Dude was a Stalker!

[view_and_review · 3/10 · 30 October 2020]

Romantic drama. Yuck! What was I thinking? I know dam well I don't like this genre.

Let's be honest; if this was any other genre, our main character Darius Lovehall (Larenz Tate) would've been a stalker. He spied his prey's address and phone number on a personal check she wrote at the record store, then proceeded to go to her house using a CD she wanted to buy as a pretense for being there. And she (Nia Long) let him in! In another movie she'd be dead and we'd be talking about how stupid she was, but in this preciously adorable movie we can talk about how sweet and romantic it was. BLECH! One hour and forty-five minutes of relationship drama. Please.

SuperB Black Love Story

[danceability · 10/10 · 6 June 2009]

This movie had reminded me of watching the old black and white movies with my dad. More true to life characters looking for love, being in love, and loosing it. Old story fresh view. Larenz Tate was so Cary Grant in style as the character may have been in a clumsey situation, but the actor kept him from looking silly and like a cardboard cut out. Nia Long has always been a favorite of mine she is sweet even when she is tough, almost like a Kathrine Hepburn. This is one of his best work and showing that he is better than always playing an angry black man

This movie is a classic, superb acting, well written, a real love story set in Chicago, what more can you ask for?

SuperB Black Love Story