I was able to see this wonderful little film at a special screening prior to its release in New York. I was charmed from beginning to end by the characters, situations, and John Sayles' great ear for dialog. It is 1950 in a small town in the South. Segregation is still the norm except for the recently reopened Army base nearby, which has integrated its barracks in response to Presidential order and is preparing young black and white soldiers for the newest war, in Korea. Danny Glover, in an understated, effective performance, plays Tyrone,the owner of a small blues club on the outskirts of town. A former blues pianist himself, he stays loyal to the old blues musicians who still perform there, to an almost empty house. You see, the times, they are a-changing, and the young people are drawn to the hot music available on the juke box at the bar next door. Broke and desperate, already stealing electricity because he can not pay the bill, Tyrone and his loyal friend Maceo (Charles S. Dutton) come up with a crazy plan. Advertise a Saturday night appearance by Guitar Sam, the local musical icon, charge admission, sell all the drinks he can, pay his debts, and retire into the night. Simple, right? At the same time, a young drifter wanders into town carrying a new fangled electric guitar, and sets about wooing Tyrone's lovely innocent young daughter. Add the corrupt local sheriff (Stacy Keach) who smells profit: Tyrone's tired, disappointed wife, flirting with evangelism to salve her unhappiness, and a wise and witty blind musician who comments on the action like a bluesy Greek Chorus, and the stage is set for a very eventful Saturday night. John Sayles has always excelled at portraying his characters as real people with real lives. His dialog rings true without clichés born of racial stereotypes. His men sound like real men, his women authentic. The film takes its time but is never boring; the music throughout and the highly entertaining acting are all the more enjoyable for being leisurely. Sayles is evoking a different time, and does so with wit and precision. The critics missed the boat on this one, and that is their loss. See it early and often.
22 Reviews
Singing is one thing, Slick. Whether people want to look at you while you're doing it is another.
lastliberal27 June 2008
Good movie to watch on the anniversary of our involvement in Korea, and a new base opens down the road to prepare troops to be sent to the war that will apparently never end. But, this movie is worth watching for the music alone. If you like blues and early rock and roll, this is the film for you.
But, it isn't just about music. It is also about relations between Black and White in the 1950s South. There are some powerful performances by some powerful actors like Danny Glover, Charles S. Dutton, and Stacy Keach; and interesting new faces like Yaya DaCosta (Take the Lead).
A good story with an great backdrop. Maybe just a little long.
But, it isn't just about music. It is also about relations between Black and White in the 1950s South. There are some powerful performances by some powerful actors like Danny Glover, Charles S. Dutton, and Stacy Keach; and interesting new faces like Yaya DaCosta (Take the Lead).
A good story with an great backdrop. Maybe just a little long.
A Welome Return by America's Great Independent Working Class Film Maker
colinbarnard-12 February 2008
This is not a great movie by any stretch, but it is a very GOOD one. My rating should be 7.8. IMDb, invest in some higher technology! John Sayles proves yet again what can be done when there is unity of vision on a film, and when everyone involved passionately believes in what they are doing. Any limitations this film has must surely be due to the budget (was there one?) rather than any creative lapses on Sayles' part.
In fact, the only problems I have with "Honeydripper" are technical: some of the shots are out of focus, some of the scenes drag, and there is not a lot of dramatic tension to carry the piece along. It is enough, though, for those of us who can handle something more relaxed than the kinetics of Michael Bey or Steven ("I'll do anything for an Oscar!") Spielberg.
"Honeydripper" is really a small character study of a working class man, surrounded by good people, who is trying do do right by them and himself. It is a romance for the nostalgia of the Deep South in 1950, a period where Jim Crow was on the cusp of yielding to John Kennedy.
It is also a romance for music, where Gospel and Blues was about to fuse and metamorphise into Rock 'n Roll. Sayles loves everything he is doing; you can feel the writer/director's respect and integrity through the camera and the screen.
Unusual for a Sayles film, Danny Glover anchors the piece as its central character, the axis upon which the story and all the characters revolve. All the characters are complete human beings, with only a few drawn as caricatures. I don't mind.
This would be a good film to show as a double bill with "The Great Debators". Several themes overlap, but "Honeydrippers" is the more mature film. Here, a man's biggest grievance is not being able to live in dignity as a man who pays his way. Sayles' characteristic character arcs provide us with many dignified men and women who achieve that dignity by finding ways to honestly pay their way. They do it with joy, love and creativity.
Another fine Working Class film from Cinema's Working Class Hero.
In fact, the only problems I have with "Honeydripper" are technical: some of the shots are out of focus, some of the scenes drag, and there is not a lot of dramatic tension to carry the piece along. It is enough, though, for those of us who can handle something more relaxed than the kinetics of Michael Bey or Steven ("I'll do anything for an Oscar!") Spielberg.
"Honeydripper" is really a small character study of a working class man, surrounded by good people, who is trying do do right by them and himself. It is a romance for the nostalgia of the Deep South in 1950, a period where Jim Crow was on the cusp of yielding to John Kennedy.
It is also a romance for music, where Gospel and Blues was about to fuse and metamorphise into Rock 'n Roll. Sayles loves everything he is doing; you can feel the writer/director's respect and integrity through the camera and the screen.
Unusual for a Sayles film, Danny Glover anchors the piece as its central character, the axis upon which the story and all the characters revolve. All the characters are complete human beings, with only a few drawn as caricatures. I don't mind.
This would be a good film to show as a double bill with "The Great Debators". Several themes overlap, but "Honeydrippers" is the more mature film. Here, a man's biggest grievance is not being able to live in dignity as a man who pays his way. Sayles' characteristic character arcs provide us with many dignified men and women who achieve that dignity by finding ways to honestly pay their way. They do it with joy, love and creativity.
Another fine Working Class film from Cinema's Working Class Hero.
Outstanding job, great music
vchimpanzee21 February 2017
So is this guy who gets off the train and carries a guitar in fact the famous man himself? Hardly. And Sonny is advised by the fantastic and friendly blind dobro player that he is on the wrong side of town.
Let me put it this way: There's good rockin' tonight! Yes, I said rock. Five years before white people discovered rock and roll, these people were doing it and doing it quite well.
There are outstanding performances from just about everyone. Danny Glover has some scenes that I wouldn't be surprised to see as Oscar clips. Charles Dutton does his usual fine work and makes us laugh. Stacy Keach also does great work. Mary Steenburgen has a good scene as the employer of one of the black women.
Keb Mo' gives what may the best performance of all, and not just as an actor. He can play that dobro!
The musicians are very talented, particularly Gary Clark.
Even those young boys give good performances, however brief. You have to watch them again at the end, after their pretend musical instruments have improved.
It's an outstanding effort you just have to see.
Let me put it this way: There's good rockin' tonight! Yes, I said rock. Five years before white people discovered rock and roll, these people were doing it and doing it quite well.
There are outstanding performances from just about everyone. Danny Glover has some scenes that I wouldn't be surprised to see as Oscar clips. Charles Dutton does his usual fine work and makes us laugh. Stacy Keach also does great work. Mary Steenburgen has a good scene as the employer of one of the black women.
Keb Mo' gives what may the best performance of all, and not just as an actor. He can play that dobro!
The musicians are very talented, particularly Gary Clark.
Even those young boys give good performances, however brief. You have to watch them again at the end, after their pretend musical instruments have improved.
It's an outstanding effort you just have to see.
Good show, worth music alone.
hawkstepgins20 February 2008
The movie was enjoyable. Only complaint would be that it moved slowly, and with a two-hour length ... made it seem quite long. Reasonable plot, well composed, well acted & directed. The supporting actress for the character of China Doll had some very good moments. Tighter editing and better pacing would have made it much much better. It is not the best film in the world, but of good quality and very much worth watching - it will probably fall under the radar for Hollywood and the general populace.
The really outstanding thing was the music. While not a musical, it does stop whole-heartedly to focus on the performers and the music. Think "Black Snake Moan" but without repeated cuts/editing. Those who love blues, six-count blues and early rock-and-roll will likely enjoy the film. I intend to get the soundtrack. It apparently includes Ruth Brown's final recording, as well as work by Dr. Mable John & Keb' Mo. Newcomer Gary Clark Jr., a Texan actor and musician shows good potential. Although this performance at Chicago and New Your music festivals last year (with the "Honeydripper All-Stars" promoting the film) have larger dynamic and vitality to them. His performance of the song China Doll, which John Salyes apparently wrote/co-wrote, is on the other hand quite entertaining.
The really outstanding thing was the music. While not a musical, it does stop whole-heartedly to focus on the performers and the music. Think "Black Snake Moan" but without repeated cuts/editing. Those who love blues, six-count blues and early rock-and-roll will likely enjoy the film. I intend to get the soundtrack. It apparently includes Ruth Brown's final recording, as well as work by Dr. Mable John & Keb' Mo. Newcomer Gary Clark Jr., a Texan actor and musician shows good potential. Although this performance at Chicago and New Your music festivals last year (with the "Honeydripper All-Stars" promoting the film) have larger dynamic and vitality to them. His performance of the song China Doll, which John Salyes apparently wrote/co-wrote, is on the other hand quite entertaining.
sweet musical trip down south
along-234 February 2008
OK, let me say right off the bat I am a little biased. This film was shot here in Alabama, and most of it was filmed right here in my home county of Butler. One of my high school classmate's son is featured throughout the movie as "Lonnie" and other folks I know served as extras or performed as part of the choir.
And I loved seeing the people and places I know up on the big screen. I think Maggie and John are "da bomb." The woman is a hugger; I love that warmth. John's the most down-to-earth guy.
That being said, I can also honestly report to you "Honeydripper" is a good movie - not perfect, but very much worth seeing. I think Danny Glover is sensational in the lead role as Pine Top and he and Charles Dutton are totally believable as two old pals fighting the odds to save Pine Top's blues club. Keb' Mo' is delightful as the "Greek Chorus" known as Possum, a mysterious and witty blind guitarist.
If you love blues music and early rock 'n' roll; if you enjoy a story that takes its time, one filled with complex characters and some memorable lines penned by Sayles - a movie made with love and lots of heart - then "Honeydripper" just might be for you.
And I loved seeing the people and places I know up on the big screen. I think Maggie and John are "da bomb." The woman is a hugger; I love that warmth. John's the most down-to-earth guy.
That being said, I can also honestly report to you "Honeydripper" is a good movie - not perfect, but very much worth seeing. I think Danny Glover is sensational in the lead role as Pine Top and he and Charles Dutton are totally believable as two old pals fighting the odds to save Pine Top's blues club. Keb' Mo' is delightful as the "Greek Chorus" known as Possum, a mysterious and witty blind guitarist.
If you love blues music and early rock 'n' roll; if you enjoy a story that takes its time, one filled with complex characters and some memorable lines penned by Sayles - a movie made with love and lots of heart - then "Honeydripper" just might be for you.
High-school level story hidden behind great music
cliff-1916 November 2008
This is a story right out of the "Hey, kids, let's put on a show!" cliché. One implausibility piled on top of another in a "feel good"/"right will triumph" pattern that is SO OVERWHELMINGLY dominant in American movies. John Sayles has long been one of my favorite directors/screenwriters, so the foolishness of this movie came as a shock.
What happened? Where has the creator of "Casa de los Babys" and "Lone Star" gone? What happened to the creator of such exhilarating plots as "Limbo" and "Passion Fish"? I can only guess that he farmed it out to one of his kids, or an intern, or something like that. This movie fits in more with the rush job of the Scorcese-produced blues films than with a Sayles project.
Here is my "disclosure" statement. I have been a working musician and have spent most of my adult life in the company of musicians. This movie reveals some of the biggest complaints musicians have about their portrayal by non-musicians. The biggest is that non-musicians don't understand the role of rehearsals, individual practice and the huge amount of work and effort it takes to seem "talented." This movie is another example, and a rather extreme case at that.
I also have a question for Keb Mo. Why do you sign on to so many projects that undervalue your efforts? I am thinking of the NPR Blues History radio series and now this. Don't you have more leverage than that?
What happened? Where has the creator of "Casa de los Babys" and "Lone Star" gone? What happened to the creator of such exhilarating plots as "Limbo" and "Passion Fish"? I can only guess that he farmed it out to one of his kids, or an intern, or something like that. This movie fits in more with the rush job of the Scorcese-produced blues films than with a Sayles project.
Here is my "disclosure" statement. I have been a working musician and have spent most of my adult life in the company of musicians. This movie reveals some of the biggest complaints musicians have about their portrayal by non-musicians. The biggest is that non-musicians don't understand the role of rehearsals, individual practice and the huge amount of work and effort it takes to seem "talented." This movie is another example, and a rather extreme case at that.
I also have a question for Keb Mo. Why do you sign on to so many projects that undervalue your efforts? I am thinking of the NPR Blues History radio series and now this. Don't you have more leverage than that?
John Sayles On (Again)
Seamus282920 January 2008
John Sayles has done it again. He has taken a world class cast (including Danny Glover),some crisp photography,a very well written & directed script & a music score to die for, and has made screen magic. The story concerns an embittered juke joint owner (Glover),an ex musician himself,trying to make ends meet with a club on the outs,who is trying one last move to avoid closure by hiring a well known musician named Guitar Sam,to try & fill his club. Add a few other elements (a wife who is serious about re-connecting with her faith,a corrupt sheriff,and other elements),and the formula for a successful story is all set. The story is set in the racial segregated South of 1950. Although the film was shot in 2007, it is now just getting some scattered distribution. This film deserves far better than it's getting. The music score (composed and/or arranged by Sayles' favourite composer,Mason Daring)is a out & out toe tapper (which includes Delta Blues,Stride Piano,Gospel,Rhythm & Blues--years before it would be coined 'Rock & Roll' by Alan Freed). Honestly, Honeydripper (the name of the juke joint coined by the films title) is one for anyone who is interested in early creative black music(s).
shades of Lone Star
SteveSkafte5 May 2010
I guess my main problem with "Honeydripper" was the lack of real conflict or dramatic central theme to the story. It's a quiet small-town drama of the sort I usually love, but with the sense of being a bit of an afterthought. Rather like a story that was written on a slow afternoon when nothing much else was going on. That might work for something of a little more personal nature, but this is a film of archetypes and experiences, not of one-on-one human interaction.
So what is good about it? When Sayles' direction is at its best, "Honeydripper" is a heavy and real film. Best scenes are when the characters tell stories to themselves, and any scene with Keb' Mo'. Danny Glover is real good too, as is Stacy Keach (even with Keach playing the sort of role he always does). But by the end of the film, it all starts to feel a little arbitrary. By the final scene, we get the sense that not much happened, and something should've. It's in no way not worth watching, though. Give it a shot.
So what is good about it? When Sayles' direction is at its best, "Honeydripper" is a heavy and real film. Best scenes are when the characters tell stories to themselves, and any scene with Keb' Mo'. Danny Glover is real good too, as is Stacy Keach (even with Keach playing the sort of role he always does). But by the end of the film, it all starts to feel a little arbitrary. By the final scene, we get the sense that not much happened, and something should've. It's in no way not worth watching, though. Give it a shot.
showcase of Gary Clark Jr.
mrrmr7 September 2009
While a lot of people may not know Gary Clark Jr. out of Austin,Texas, this sort of helps to get his name out there. He is a "awesome" guitarist. Still in his early 20's and self taught. If you ever get the chance to see him perform, don't pass it up. He is a true blues man, and a "VERY" good one. It would be nice to see Gary showcased in a good blues movie.While the actors in the movie are well known and most I thought were very good. The movie itself was just OK for me. I would have liked the movie to center more about the blues and Gary as a talent.Keb Mo was very good as the blind guitarist seeming to show up everywhere abound town. Now, I am still very glad to see any movie that shows some blues and the struggles and problems that goes with the blues. I know there are a lot of people that like to listen to blues. This venue of music is a true American art that should be more recognized and showcased.
The worst, most boring, poorly made professional film I have ever seen.
specht_mark7 November 2009
This film is painfully slow and uninteresting. The dialog is brutal. The characters uninteresting. I have seen thousands of films, and this horrendous product should have ended the career of John Sayles. Sayles' Eight Men Out is among the most boring modern baseball films, but Honeydripper is at the very bottom of its genre.... and of all film making. There are countless good films about race relations in the southern United States, and this is not among them. Young directors and writers should watch this as how *not* to make a film. Danny Glover, Charles Dutton, Lisa Gay Hamilton, Stacey Keach, Sean Patrick Thomas, what *were* you thinking? There are always other movies to see instead of this one. See them all, then hesitate before renting Honeydripper.
Good but not Great
les696931 August 2010
This film has it's moments and there is a lot going on. It is an incite into early Rock and Roll and the fact that it was black singers and musicians and not Elvis who started it all off. It shows the racism and corrupt attitudes of the deep south and there is a little love interest. Danny Glover is outstanding as is Stacey Keech but all the support roles are also really well done. My only criticism about this film is that it doesn't really go anywhere. At the end I was left with an empty feeling with so many unanswered questions. What happened to the young guitar/singer after that weekend? Who was that blind man exactly? ( if he was blind, he gave the Danny Glover character a knowing nod at the gig ) Whay didn't the Stacey Keech character expose the boy as not Guitar Sam? ( Money I am guessing? ) I think this was a good film and it kept my attention but it could have been grittier and a better ending.
Honeydripper
Ssgoldfine-17 January 2008
Saw the movie, Honeydripper, with Danny Glover at the Palm Springs Film Festival today and it was wonderful Music was delightful and great characters, great photography, and I predict a big hit in 2008. It has been an audience favorite and probably be in the Best of Fest next Monday. Glover is outstanding; may be a little long, but every person in the film is well characterized. As a movie reviewer, I have given it FIVE STARS. I would like to know when it goes into general release so I can tell people all over the country. The blues music, rock n roll blends together. I recommend it highly. If this film came out in 2007 it would easily be in my top ten films of the year.
Great music, reasonable story.
tao90224 July 2015
Set in 1950s Alabama around the time of the birth of rock 'n' roll, focusing on a music venue and its manager. The backdrop is the racist America South.
At the heart of the story lies the proprietor, Tyrone, of the Honeydripper Lounge. He is in debt and needs to raise money fast. He plans to put on a gig with a brilliant black guitarist. Behind his battle to run a successful club lies the conflict between religion and rock 'n' roll, God and the devil, with a convenient compromise by the end of the film.
Predictable at times with some obvious set pieces but a fun film with great music.
At the heart of the story lies the proprietor, Tyrone, of the Honeydripper Lounge. He is in debt and needs to raise money fast. He plans to put on a gig with a brilliant black guitarist. Behind his battle to run a successful club lies the conflict between religion and rock 'n' roll, God and the devil, with a convenient compromise by the end of the film.
Predictable at times with some obvious set pieces but a fun film with great music.
pivot between eras
lee_eisenberg20 July 2008
John Sayles, never one to avoid a political focus in movies, now brings us "Honeydripper". The movie is set in 1950 Alabama. The Jim Crow laws are still in effect, and black-white relations are limited to African-Americans performing only the most menial jobs: a number of people work in a cotton field for practically nothing (slavery has risen again!). Tyrone "Pinetop" Purvis (Danny Glover) owns a restaurant and often has singers come and play. Business hasn't been doing too well recently. Pinetop has worked hard his whole life and barely gotten by...but the possible arrival of a New Orleans singer might change things.
Aside from the great music, one can also see this movie as a look at the pivot era in the South. It's set during the Jim Crow era, around the start of the Korean War, just a few years away from the civil rights movement. One notices that even though this is still the age of institutionalized racism, many of the characters do what they can to try and have civil relationships with white people: Sheriff Pugh (Stacy Keach) is on pretty good terms with Pinetop, and Pinetop's wife Delilah (Lisa Gay Hamilton) manages to carry on a conversation with her employer (Mary Steenburgen). The music, of course, is really the best part. I certainly recommend this movie, as I have recommended every John Sayles movie that I've seen.
Also starring Yaya DaCosta, Charles S. Dutton, Vondie Curtis Hall, Keb' Mo', Kel Mitchell and Gary Clark Jr. I think that I saw John Sayles in a bit part.
Aside from the great music, one can also see this movie as a look at the pivot era in the South. It's set during the Jim Crow era, around the start of the Korean War, just a few years away from the civil rights movement. One notices that even though this is still the age of institutionalized racism, many of the characters do what they can to try and have civil relationships with white people: Sheriff Pugh (Stacy Keach) is on pretty good terms with Pinetop, and Pinetop's wife Delilah (Lisa Gay Hamilton) manages to carry on a conversation with her employer (Mary Steenburgen). The music, of course, is really the best part. I certainly recommend this movie, as I have recommended every John Sayles movie that I've seen.
Also starring Yaya DaCosta, Charles S. Dutton, Vondie Curtis Hall, Keb' Mo', Kel Mitchell and Gary Clark Jr. I think that I saw John Sayles in a bit part.
perhaps a good idea, but weak execution
filmflamflim19 March 2011
Reading other reviews of this, I was quite looking forward to watching it. I was expecting interesting characters and lots of good music. After t started, I kept waiting for the music. There was talk and silly dramatic events. Then there was more talk and more silly dramatic events. This continued for quite a while. There were characters who really had very little to do with the story of the film. A couple of scenes take place in a church, for example, and they go on for several minutes each, but, in the end, they have nothing to do with the story.
Then, finally, the climax of the film: the music came and after only a few minutes, the film was finished. I cannot recommend it.
Then, finally, the climax of the film: the music came and after only a few minutes, the film was finished. I cannot recommend it.
wonderful film
hcoursen11 November 2009
I tuned into this one while trolling for a film and became immediately absorbed. The film interlocks several plots, as 'The Waltons' used to do -- the problem of keeping the night spot out of the hands of the criminal creditors, the issue of the unfulfilled wife (nicely mirrored by the alcoholic white woman for whom she is a servant), young love developing between the guitar player and lovely China Doll, a dispute between two cotton pickers (one a city slicker, the other a local field hand), the sheriff who, of course, is a racist but who loves un-spiced fried chicken, the inevitable tug of fundamentalist religion on the underclass of a rural town, and two waifs who end the film with a mime of the musicians they hope to be. I confess that I was stationed in southern Georgia a little after the time of this film and found my own experiences coming back vividly. It is a warm film, drawing on an ominous set of possibilities lurking behind the action, and it doesn't cheat with its interlocking happy endings. What a surprise!
Oh dear more self indulgent rubbish !
terrytel4 March 2010
So this self indulgent film about absolutely nothing of any import has just wasted two hours of my life ! Set in the deep south of 1950's America the plot is as transparent as it always is in a film were nothing is always about to happen. The plot is actually so thin you will have guessed the ending & how we arrive there quickly. In my case in around 90 seconds of the opening titles. Guess what - A middle aged black club owner, with relationship crisis & broke, has to keep his 'wooden shack' / club open. Oh the unbearable excitement of wondering whether he will succeed or not! Along the way we are treated to an array of cardboard cutout characters that include the local racist, white sheriff, [ so original ] the habitual enigmatic - oh no could it be a ghost to be laid character, who in this case is a sort of blind Alan A Dale & a young itinerant, rock n' roll, electric guitar playing musician who blows into town.
It gets worse! The dialog is at best a series of cheap, stilted diatribes fed through the mouths of comic book, deep south, 1950's black / white stereotypes. I must presume the script was written by an intellectual midget with a range of English & clichés rarely seen outside of Batman comics.
Then we have the music. A poorly performed mishmash of blues going' into rock n' roll, a genre not even favoured in its own time. Long dead it should have been left that way & certainly not resurrected with stiff, stilted, zombie like musical performances.
Lastly we have the director, one John Sayles famed for being involved with such mega blockbusters as Bruce Springstein - The Complete Video Anthology & that other great masterpiece, Passion Fish. That says it all really Lets be honest - if you have 3 brain cells or more, have enough understanding of English to know that batman should actually be two words not one, have an intellect equal to or better than a nematodes, and a musical taste beyond thinking my My Ding A Ling was a good rock song, well then you'd have a more stimulating experience watching Thomas The Tank Engine!
It gets worse! The dialog is at best a series of cheap, stilted diatribes fed through the mouths of comic book, deep south, 1950's black / white stereotypes. I must presume the script was written by an intellectual midget with a range of English & clichés rarely seen outside of Batman comics.
Then we have the music. A poorly performed mishmash of blues going' into rock n' roll, a genre not even favoured in its own time. Long dead it should have been left that way & certainly not resurrected with stiff, stilted, zombie like musical performances.
Lastly we have the director, one John Sayles famed for being involved with such mega blockbusters as Bruce Springstein - The Complete Video Anthology & that other great masterpiece, Passion Fish. That says it all really Lets be honest - if you have 3 brain cells or more, have enough understanding of English to know that batman should actually be two words not one, have an intellect equal to or better than a nematodes, and a musical taste beyond thinking my My Ding A Ling was a good rock song, well then you'd have a more stimulating experience watching Thomas The Tank Engine!
Sayles and Renzi give us a winner in Honeydripper
vnikolaidis-129 May 2010
John Sayles and Maggie Renzi have offered their audiences so many entertaining 'slice of life' movies but this is the best one yet. Slow and lazy times in the South don't necessarily mean the living is easy . . . Tyrone has to make some heavy-duty decisions if he wants to stay in business . . . decisions that could make or break not only his business but his reputation as well. f you have your own business you may feel more anxiety as Tyrone tries to bring in customers. And the music is not to be missed. Blues and Keb'Mo' and rockin'roll music are an integral part of the narrative. The love story between two of the younger generation (don't want to give away a spoiler) is very sweet. High quality ensemble cast.The relationships between the characters play true to real life.
Spare, Soulful and Full of the Sadness of the Blues of the South
danowen-597991 March 2020
With the quiet dignity of a play we see the struggles of the Honeydripper's owner as he desperately tries to keep off creditors while his business sinks into insolvency. His wife is drawn to the church and is on the verge of being born again. Everywhere are the unrelenting pressures of conformity, but most especially the soul crushing injustice of the Jim Crow South. Into this comes a stranger with an unusual homemade guitar. The music throughout is wonderful as are the various ways that an oppressed people find ephemeral joy.
What a great film
vasssos25 May 2008
I've just watched this film in Wolverhamptn, UK and I found it absolutely amazing. It's a slow paced, character driven film with excellent performances from all cast. Cinematography and music are so well-put into the film that makes you want more even tho it's about 2 hours long. The writers put a lot of effort into their characters so you feel for each one of them. There's some romance in there and a few jokes that made me smile a few times but the thing that made it for me was the tension I felt through out the film and the personal struggle of each character. The only thing i didn't like was the heavy accent from some characters that made the dialogues hard to follow but I guess thats because English isn't my native language.. 8/10
Blues is not only about music
Avid_filmwatcher20 November 2021
A small town in the State of Alabama, the year: 1950. A black man, performed by the outstanding Danny Glover, owns a bar which is going through some serious financial difficulties and struggling to stay open. As a result, he needs an incentive which helps him pay his debts and save his business.
Historically set in a time where segregation and discrimination was the norm, its director John Sayles succeeds in showing effectively the frustation and anger of the African American community in an extremely tough world.
As far as the perfomances are concerned, they are solid and convincing. Danny Glover as the owner of a Blues joint, desperate to find a way to keep it open, his supportive best friend well portrayed by Charles S. Dutton, Gary Clarke Jr., the talented guitarist who seeks better fortune or the evil Sheriff in town played by Stacey Keach definitely contribute to the success of this film with their great work.
Last but not least, the absolutely compelling soundtrack of the film definitely deserves to be pointed out: Blues songs. The cast and crew who made this fantastic piece of work possible teach us that there is no lie in The Blues, that it is genuine, authentic and one can almost feel and touch the pain and suffering of men and women who used to wonderfully channel their hardships and ordeals through it.
All in all, Honeydripper is an insightful and entertaining film which combines excellent songs with a realistic story quite a few people could easily relate to. Recommended.
Historically set in a time where segregation and discrimination was the norm, its director John Sayles succeeds in showing effectively the frustation and anger of the African American community in an extremely tough world.
As far as the perfomances are concerned, they are solid and convincing. Danny Glover as the owner of a Blues joint, desperate to find a way to keep it open, his supportive best friend well portrayed by Charles S. Dutton, Gary Clarke Jr., the talented guitarist who seeks better fortune or the evil Sheriff in town played by Stacey Keach definitely contribute to the success of this film with their great work.
Last but not least, the absolutely compelling soundtrack of the film definitely deserves to be pointed out: Blues songs. The cast and crew who made this fantastic piece of work possible teach us that there is no lie in The Blues, that it is genuine, authentic and one can almost feel and touch the pain and suffering of men and women who used to wonderfully channel their hardships and ordeals through it.
All in all, Honeydripper is an insightful and entertaining film which combines excellent songs with a realistic story quite a few people could easily relate to. Recommended.
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