kenneth7520 Review of The Five Heartbeats

The Five Heartbeats (1991)

"The Five Heartbeats"Resonate A Universal Message

[10/10 · 29 May 2006]

I've seen this wonderful movie several times and can honestly say this;The movie itself is dramatic,funny,moving,exciting,and intriguing.Needless to say that the sets are great,the women gorgeous and the music quite good.I also applaud the entire cast on such memorable acting performances.The movie,written by Keenen Ivory Wayans and Robert Townsend(who is also the Director)has at its base a universal message it emits that is really the essence of the film.The message is that:No matter what happens in life,ups and downs,good or bad,gains or losses-we must lift ourselves through it and keep on pushing for the better,no matter what.Just like in the song feature-"No matter how hard it gets,we haven't finished yet". I can say without a doubt that this movie took me through just about every basic human emotion possible in its 120 minute cycle.I laughed,cried,cheered,despaired,danced and even reminisced(Since I'm an old Motown era fan from back in the day).No other movie has ever taken me on such a complete ride of emotions to say the least.That in itself makes the movie compellingly realistic.It's loaded with treats and surprises for everyone-for instance once the Heartbeats get there first hit song played on the radio/The group and family members are all asleep.The song comes on the radio for the first time.Someone is awakened thinking another member of the group is belting out notes,telling him to hush as others react the same.Then as they find out that none of the group is singing,they are suddenly surprised and excited to hear their first hit song playing on the radio.What an awesome jubilant moment in which all present wake up,screaming,cheering,dancing,and celebrating,all in their pajamas,robes,nightgowns and sleeping caps.Robert Townsend used his comedic skill to really spice up lots of other fun scenes in the movie.Almost everyone who I know who saw the movie liked it,and I personally think it has become a classic work in its own right.Sadly this film was certainly overlooked for(I think well-deserved)recognition for major awards such as Oscar nominations for"Best Picture",as well as an acting nomination for Micheal Wright as the mercurial Eddie King Jr.,the original lead singer of"The Five Heartbeats".In my opinion,this movie is a great ride for people of practically all ages(R rating withstanding of course),as well as all races,genders,and backgrounds.At my age of 50,I proudly see that the movie has successfully broken into the interests of our current"Hip-Hop music generation" although the movie is based on an Old-School singing group/hats off to the excellent production of the songs in the movie too.It's one of those movies that make an ideal collector to pop-in the machine on a rainy day or to just put in when friends drop by."The Five Heartbeats"is a movie I recommend to all those movie lovers who like a good story.