First-time director Maya Angelou probably didn't plan on making a slick piece of goods about a hard-partying single mom who gains personal strength and direction after a move to Mississippi, but that's what she got. Perhaps too much outside interference watered down Angelou's intentions, leaving the early scenes set in the Chicago ghetto looking pat and Hollywood-ized. I didn't buy a single scene in this movie until Alfre Woodard finally transfers to her new home in the South, and from there the plot (however contrived) gained momentum and focus (much like Woodard's character). The final 30 minutes or so are really worth savoring, but there's a lot of soapy, shallow clichés to wade through first. ** from ****
Down in the Delta
1998
Action / Drama
Down in the Delta
1998
Action / Drama
Plot summary
Frustrated by a lack of opportunity, Loretta (Academy Award nominee Alfre Woodard) self-destructs while struggling to find meaning in the asphalt jungle of Chicago, often leaving her loving mother Rosa Lynn to care for her two children. An exasperated Rosa Lynn masterminds a holistic intervention and ships her daughter out to live with Rosa's successful brother (Al Freeman Jr.) in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, hoping her daughter will find fulfillment under his mentorship while reconnecting to their charged southern heritage through the story of a particularly inspiring ancestor. Maya Angelou crafts an endearingly poetic family portrait in what was regrettably her only film. DOWN IN THE DELTA ranks as one of the unsung gems of 1990s independent filmmaking. Featuring Loretta Devine (WAITING TO EXHALE),Esther Rolle (from TV's legendary series GOOD TIMES) in her final film appearance, and Wesley Snipes - who also produced.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
Director
Top cast
Mary Alice as Rosa Lynn
Alfre Woodard as Loretta
Wesley Snipes as Will
Loretta Devine as Zenia
Tech specs
720p.WEB 1080p.WEB 1.01 GB
1280*682
English 2.0
PG-13
Movie Reviews
Reviewed by
Woodard is terrific as usual, but film is glossy and shallow...
Reviewed by
A different kind of rehab.
"Down in the Delta" is a sanitized, journeyman film about a black Chicago mother of two who is sent to visit family in the Mississippi delta region with the hope that family ties, values, and environment can help her rehabilitate herself. Although an obvious "feel good" fabrication, "Down..." has a sufficient depth and charm to make it a thoroughly enjoyable watch with some good lessons for all.
Reviewed by
Great movie despite low budget!
Despite the low budget, this is a very good movie. The performances are excellent and I recommend everyone to see it. I was in tears by the end of the film. My congratulations to everyone connected with this production.