Since we started the Dallas Observer, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Dallas, and we would like to keep it that way. Desperation drives four inner-city women to bank robbery in Los Angeles, then they start mistrusting each other. CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS: California Privacy Policy | California Collection Notice | Do Not Sell My Info. Written by And don't look for bitches and 'hos. Friends and confidants Vannah, Bernie, Glo and Robin talk it all out, determined to find a better way to breathe. Across the country, a new creature has appeared on the scene: the "Waiting to Exhale" widower. But as one of those brothers, I came away from Exhale saying, if it barks, howls during sex, and humps the leg of a friend, it deserves to be called a dog. Girlfriend, Bernadine is played to a refined scream by Angela Bassett, previously seen in Vampire in Brooklyn, Strange Days, and What's Love Got to Do With It. The overall uncertainties, unfortunates, and inconsistencies of love ⦠Nonetheless, Gloria's trials are rewarded when Tarik takes on the task of uplifting the world through a singing group, and a widowed neighbor, Marvin (Gregory Hines), comes to appreciate all of her. And yes, dogs do drive Mercedes Benzes and have been known to date white women. Exhale's cast of beautiful, talented, professional African-American women is a true first for Hollywood. Gloria is a rock, and proves that a prescription for self-worth is the remedy to her chaos. Savannah, played by Houston, is stifled as much by her mother's desires as her own. As Michael climbs on top of her, you can see that she still has on her ⦠I promise this year I will not-- No matter what John ⦠Free from John, Bernadine straddles the broad shoulders of her girlfriends and sputters toward a new beginning. Academy Award winner Marlee Matlin reveals how she felt the first time she ever saw a deaf actress on television and discusses the importance of authentic representation on screen. Waiting to Exhale (1995) Wendell Pierce as Michael Davenport. Also along for the year's journey is the drop-dead gorgeous Robin, played by the beautiful, long-legged Lela Rochon. Lela Rochon, Loretta Devine, Dennis Haysbert, Michael Beach, ⦠Even as each of them runs to and from the designs of their lives, they turn to Gloria for the final word. And I felt like silk. Whitaker has taken on a veritable force of nature with McMillan's extremely popular novel. and follows it with, "I'm still going, just not with you," it would take a chainsaw to cut through Bernadine's disgust. But then, with the craft of an aged storyteller, Whitaker pulls the comedy into truer focus, with Robin and Michael talking honestly about their expectations from a relationship. Often light-hearted this movie speaks about some of the problems and struggles the modern women face in today's world. Savannah (Whitney Houston), Robin (Lela Rochon), Bernadine (An g ela ⦠(1995). Over the course of Exhale, John embodies every warning that any mother has ever given to her daughter about "men.". Two brothers, survivors of family tragedy, take different life paths: one falls for a high-spirited waitress and dreams of success, the other follows a life of petty crime. Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa - 2400 E Missouri Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona, USA. In this movie, we see the world through the eyes of main character Justice (Janet Jackson), a young African-American poet. His white female bookkeeper is the catalyst. He's not alone. Friendship becomes the strongest bond between these women as men, careers, and families take them in different directions. But watching her here you easily dismiss every other role she's played. Otherwise, Gloria is the woman for whom this story is made. The two exchange what can only be described as a lionesses' stare, and Bernadine's sense of reality returns. Settling in at a singles' table at a New Year's Eve party, Savannah extends her fangs and claws. And when I looked at him, I didn't care anymore that he wasn't Mr. Universe. Circulation, The result is a true-to-the-book passion play about the explosive desires of these four women. Waiting to Exhale Robin Stokes (1995) The Wayans Bros. Lisa (1995) Hangin' with Mr. Cooper Denise, Mark's Old Girl Friend (1992-1994) The best quotes from Waiting to Exhale (1995). Through her sorrow and pain over what she is losing, Bernadine clasps the stranger's hands and whispers in surrender, "Somebody once loved me that way.". The story of singer Tina Turner's rise to stardom and how she gained the courage to break free from her abusive husband, Ike Turner. She slips into bed and reaches down to pull off the matching panties. And I felt like silk. Her dress is "that color red," and is carefully poured onto her one strand at a time. Not here. And when I looked at him, I didn't care anymore that he wasn't Mr. Universe. I have not read the book, but I have heard many times that the book is better... but hey thats true for almost every book turned movie. While trying to figure out if they've got a "love thing" or are just "... See full summary ». The other 3 ladies, Whitney,Lela, and Loretta do great jobs too. Not too mention the soundtrack is fabulous! Rounding out this foursome is the meaty, lovelorn beauty-shop matron, Gloria Johnson. You can't miss Mr. Thang, but he's fortunately short-lived. Waiting to Exhale. Yet the movie triumphs on a number of levels--the most important being that Whitaker, making his Hollywood directorial debut, bravely confronts the misconception that all black women must shake their rumps and wind their necks to be heard. First seen in flowing coif before a mirrored dressing table, Bassett is an impassioned sight of motherhood and womanness. Some lessons, however, are better learned in the back seat of a car, or--in Tarik's case--in the pool house. ... Whitney Houston and Michael Beach would reunite in Sparkle (2012) in what would be Whitney's final ⦠He folds her into his arms, and sings her through the night with the longing of his breath against the nape of her neck. Based on Terry McMillan's novel, this film follows four very different African-American women and their relationships with the male gender. Stop by the restroom before this movie starts. Lela Rochon, Halle Berry and Robin Givens all starred in Boomerang with Eddie Murphy. Favorite film with a black woman in the lead role? Support the independent voice of Dallas and help keep the future of Dallas Observer free. Rochon's beauty is upstaged, however, by her gutsy awakening in this role. Happy birthday to the great Angela Basset, who was born on August 16, 1958. But with local journalism's existence under siege and advertising revenue setbacks having a larger impact, it is important now more than ever for us to rally support behind funding our local journalism. From Ebony in The Player's Club to Savannah in Waiting To Exhale, these scandalous ladies are infamous. When her husband leaves, she takes on the task of raising Tarik without missing a beat. Are you sleeping with Herbert? She shows him that, through aloneness, you can learn to appreciate yourself. Her "supportive" phone call to a defeated, post-break-up Bernadine, called in from Savannah's trailer phone during a makeup session, sounds, at best, hollow and rehearsed. Houston's glamorous but passionless Savannah saunters through the film more shadow than motivating force for her friends. Biggest Black Directed Box Office Movies Ever, IMDb Staff Favorite Soundtrack or Score (Pre-1995). Four friends begin to question women and relationships when one of them announces impending nuptials. Unlike other women's stories, there are no classic victims in Exhale. Get a sneak peek of the new version of this page. Instead, the women recognize that the men who dance through their lives leaving troubles have done so by invitation. Rochon has been relegated on the big screen to glamour roles of Eddie Murphy's making. Sitting in a hotel bar after being trounced by her soon-to-be ex-husband in preliminary divorce proceedings, Bernadine (Angela Bassett) is captivated by a man's love--for another woman. Directed by Forest Whitaker. Get the latest updates in news, food, music and culture, and receive special offers direct to your inbox, Dallas Restaurant Directory: Takeout/Delivery/Dine-in. In the flesh, they'll have you pawing the big screen in hopes of a new girlfriend or a long-lost "sista.". Terms, The characters emerge, with a few exceptions, just as they danced off Exhale's pages. The regretful dark clouds of abortion. Exhale skirts the Rikki Lake approach when Bernadine finally meets the other woman, but when it comes time for John's divorce settlement offer, he dishes out some supremely mature and guilt-riddled dialogue. She knows that tucked safely away is the couple's motherlode--their source of lifetime security. Waiting to Exhale is a 1995 American romance film directed by Forest Whitaker (in his feature film directorial debut) and starring Whitney Houston and Angela Bassett.The film was adapted from the 1992 novel of the same name by Terry McMillan. This movie is filled with sweet moments, great laughter, and maybe some tears. Waiting to Exhale is a 1995 American romance film directed by Forest Whitaker (in his feature film directorial debut) and starring Whitney Houston and Angela Bassett. The film, which was written by Terry McMillan and brought to life by Forest Whitaker, was the catalyst for that change. Based on Terry McMillan's novel, this film follows four very different African-American women and ⦠Friendship becomes the strongest bond between these women as men, careers, and families take them in different directions. This story of female friendship looms on the big screen with all the vigor and verve of the women's collective efforts to survive--which is saying a lot to the three million readers of McMillan's book waiting to inhale this filmed version. Edit. Then, just as quickly, she is the woman-child in a candy store of chocolate-covered men. In a film where everything should have blended, Houston's annoying divadom may be the sole disappointment. Add more and vote on your favourites! Producing stories on everything from political scandals to the hottest new bands, with gutsy reporting, stylish writing, and staffers who've won everything from the Society of Professional Journalists' Sigma Delta Chi feature-writing award to the Casey Medal for Meritorious Journalism. To his benefit, Whitaker doesn't turn Exhale into a pity party where women circle the wagons and trash men. John says offhandedly, "Three-hundred thousand dollars and the desert house--you can't expect better than that." After helping to build John's business, she's been relegated to the role of being housed and wifed. Terry McMillan's Waiting to Exhale mesmerized its readers with vivid descriptions of what a black woman wants in her man, and how hard it is to find it. Watch EBONY exclusive behind ⦠Support Us Their new year begins the process of uninviting these troubles. Gloria is the ultimate "girlfriend" for this foursome. The gentle undertone in Savannah's search for the perfect man sounds a harsh and hurt-filled cry for honest love. Robin narrates] And he did it right. Often light-hearted this movie speaks about some of the problems and struggles the modern women face in today's world. Just before best friend's wedding, the life of Chicago writer becomes crazy when the friend guesses that new book's story based on his bride's fervent past. Waiting to Exhale is connected to the ideology of the African American family because the characters in the story function as a family, helping each other survive emotional stress. Daniel Kaluuya, known for his roles in "Black Mirror" and Get Out, stars in Judas and the Black Messiah. As for the brothers they encounter in their year of breathlessness, there is much to be desired. Ms. By clicking 'X' or continuing to use the site, you agree to allow cookies to be placed. I don't believe in New Year's resolutions. Long before then, your eyes and heart will have wept from bouts of emphatic joy, sorrow, and pain. Once upstairs, he responds to her question of "What will we do with tonight?" In the novel, these ladies carried our hearts on the literary ride of the year. While dealing with a friend's cold feet on his wedding day, a writer reminisces about his youth with his best friends. Women loved it; men were not so thrilled. Savannah, played disconnectedly by songstress Whitney Houston, is a television producer escaping the "dead men" of Denver and settling into Phoenix with her old friend, Bernadine. This FAQ is empty. From that moment forward, the audience, Bernadine, and her mystery man are swept into the arms of the purest warmth and passion cinematic love has offered. Every relationship stereotype that black men barked about from the book has made its way into the movie version of Exhale. But Gloria's choice is by design. Privacy, Showing all 9 items Jump to: Photos (5) Quotes (4) ... [after the awkward sex scene] ... [Michael kisses her gently. There is a scene from the long-awaited film version of Waiting to Exhale, tenderly crafted by director Forest Whitaker, that will take your breath away. Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? "Waiting to Exhale" is the story of the friendship of four women and the trials and tribulations of their love lives. ... Robin â Waiting to Exhale. You can help by participating in our "I Support" membership program, allowing us to keep covering Dallas with no paywalls. Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. But he comes up comically short in the one place where Robin needs him to be long. Warning: Lots of curse words ahead because Bernie was mad as hell. Lela Rochon, Loretta Devine, Dennis Haysbert, Michael ⦠Script Synopsis: Cheated on, mistreated and stepped on, the women are holding their breath, waiting for the elusive "good man" to break a string of less-than-stellar lovers. Then she comes across her mystery man. She is at first hoping and dreaming for someone to love her deeply. In the course of one night, he manages to convince her the love of her dreams is simply a night and a breath away. The hectic life of single motherhood. She reacts to her revelation by skipping among cities and men, limited only by her insistence upon perfect specimens. Movies. In the 25 years since Waiting to Exhaleâs debut, the ground has shifted for Black female representation. Bernadine's choice of fuels will have every cheating man across the land installing locks on their walk-in closets. After stewing for a few days over John's revelation, Bernadine sets a fiery pace for the stories told in Exhale. Waiting to Exhale (1995) Trivia (14) ... for the other two roles, and the role of Robin was subsequently given to Lela Rochon. In return, John can't hide his boredom with their life together: two kids, two cars, private school, and a house in the desert. Why don't you all scribble down those New Year's resolutions, dial me up, tell us those lies you're telling yourself-- promises you know you won't keep. Rochon's Robin is a searing depiction of a woman seeking the middle space between her heart and her wild oats. Contact Us, Over the course of a year, Bernadine, Gloria, Savannah, and Robin do everything in their power to prop each other up to overcome the callous hand they've been dealt in the name of "love." When these women say "girlfriend," you quickly realize that the word has spiritual significance. Waiting to Exhale (1995) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. In other words, she's been a beautiful joke. "No Small Parts" takes a look at his rise to fame. And long after this moment, what you know of loving someone, without regard to race, will have come full circle through this funny yet dynamically sculpted film. 1 movie in the country when it opened, Waiting to Exhale isn't just a holiday entertainment; it's an oasis in the middle of the desert. With Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, Lela Rochon. Not because she's beautiful, but because her acting will both shock and delight you. The best quotes from Waiting to Exhale (1995). What's up? In the scene where Robin and Michael are about to make love, Robin supposedly removes her underwear and throws them on the floor. Her daily triumph over a life in which she stands to lose her husband and maybe her son is a winning combination of writing and acting. In a move that promises to fill the theater with howls, John empties the bank account of more than a million dollars, leaving Bernadine and the children with nothing but a well-rehearsed smirk. Darius Lovehall is a young black poet in Chicago who starts dating Nina Mosley, a beautiful and talented photographer. Waiting To Exhale - Red Lingerie In the scene where Robin (Lela Rochon) is getting ready to have sex with her date, Michael, she has on red lingerie. Use the HTML below. Poor Jack. That moment comes midway through Waiting to Exhale. She listens to the stranger's story of affection for his wife, and how it grew deeper with each breath over the years, even though she is now dying of cancer. While this movie truly is bound to be more appealing to women than men, it is a touching story of four best friends. The Bad: I have to say Forest Whitaker is not the best director - a couple of scenes fall flat or don't really seem connected, like when Robin's voiceover says that her bf had to go and pick up his mom from church, then the camera cuts to a phallic shot of a church steeple, with our foursome dressed to ⦠As she prays to God for someone special, she is reminded--by her mother's aloneness--of the consequences of failure. Help, Dallas' independent source of local news and culture. Waiting to Exhale: Original Soundtrack Album is a soundtrack for the film of the same name, released on November 14, 1995 by Arista Records.Written and produced by Babyface, the soundtrack features appearances by some of the biggest names in the industry, including Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton, TLC, ⦠This story based on the best selling novel by Terry McMillan follows the lives of four African-American women as they try to deal with their very lives. In the dreadful Harlem Nights, she played Sunshine, a whore whose pleasures were so good "you'd think the sun was coming up at midnight." Stella is a highly successful, forty-something San Francisco stock broker who is persuaded by her colorful New York girlfriend Delilah to take a well deserved, first-class vacation to Jamaica. When Bernadine begins to stray, feeling her way into the world of sleeping around, it is Gloria's maternal cautions that reel her back. This story based on the best selling novel by Terry McMillan follows the lives of four African-American women as they try to deal with their very lives. Savannah must purge the influence of her mother's relationships from her own. The Dallas Observer may earn a portion of sales from products & services purchased through links on our site from our affiliate partners. Add the first question. The universal power of this story is established immediately: Bernadine suffers from the raceless dynamic of a detached, passionless marriage. Offering our readers free access to incisive coverage of local news, food and culture. Houston does, however, have moments of pure joy in Exhale. Gloria, played right-on by Dreamgirls star Loretta Devine, is weighed down by a teen-aged son, Tarik (Donald Faison), the hope for a reunion with her gender-confused ex-husband (Giancarlo Esposito), and the pleasures of food. Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our terms of use, our cookies policy, and our privacy policy. A friend of mine suggested that the male version of Waiting to Exhale would be much shorter: "What I'm looking for in a woman is ⦠According to The African American Experience, at the time âWaiting to Exhaleâ was the second novel by an African American woman to be adapted into a major Hollywood motion picture. I love Angela Bassett and she is outstanding in this movie. We use cookies to collect and analyze information on site performance and usage, and to enhance and customize content and advertisements. Add more and vote on your favourites! If you've seen the previews, then you know about the burning BMW. What she really wants to have is someone who will never let her down, but her eyes are bigger than her heart. And Robin's beachside "Oprah" session with Savannah on the perils of "waiting on a married man to leave his wife because you're pregnant" is rendered moot by Houston's deadpan response. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. 12 of 15 people found this review helpful. Waiting to Exhale (2/5) Movie CLIP - My Body Needs This ⦠The biggest mistakes you never noticed in Waiting to Exhale (1995). Her friends see her self-imposed celibacy as unhealthy at best, and stupid at worst. Menu. Friendship becomes the strongest bond between these women as men, careers, and families take them in different directions. Waiting to Exhale (1995) Lela Rochon: Robin Stokes. Then Rochon was the sensitive beauty with the bad feet in Boomerang. Careers, Download Waiting to Exhale Study Guide Subscribe Now First-person narrative point of view is used to make clear that Savannah, level-headed and confident, already has the voice to tell her story. By the time Gloria unexpectedly stumbles across the street to Marvin's welcoming smile, she has truly earned the outbreak of applause that filled the theater at a recent screening. You know that he's married." "Waiting to Exhale" is the first feature film directed by Forest Whitaker, a fine actor who elicits flashy, full-bodied performances from his four leading ladies. ... [after the awkward sex scene] ... [Michael kisses her gently. A mail carrier invites a few friends along for a long overnight delivery run. Twentieth Century Fox. Waiting to Exhale Don't even bother looking for the kinky, twisted, and braided two-toned hair styles of music-video fame. The awkward dating scene. But can you blame her? Their lives reconnect in shattering fashion. Search for "Waiting to Exhale" on Amazon.com, Title: How Well Do You Remember This Scene From "Waiting To Exhale?" What happens in that bedroom was happening last Friday and Saturday night all over America between the sexes. The struggles of being the other woman. There is a scene from the long-awaited film version of Waiting to Exhale, tenderly crafted by director Forest Whitaker, that will take your breath away. Michael is long in some areas: house, car, and career. It's aimed at her son, who has no male role-models for the games of relationship. Whitaker and the screenwriters have a true grasp of the characters' importance to Exhale's audience. ... Itâs a side chick scene no one could ever forget. All rights reserved. The treatment of this confrontation, and those that follow, is a testament to Whitaker's mature directing. By the time Exhale makes its way to Robin (Lela Rochon), you won't know what hit you. Bernadine cuts a scandalized, Bassett-patented stare and spits back, "Unlike you, your children aren't for sale." The film was adapted from the 1992 novel of the same name by Terry McMillan. Friends since childhood, a magazine editor and a hip-hop record executive stumble into romantic territory. However, while preparing for a stodgy company dinner party with her husband John Sr. (Michael Beach of White Man's Burden), her card-house world tumbles inward. Three women each claim to be the widow of 1950s doo-wop singer Frankie Lymon, claiming legal rights to his estate. Pierce's turn as lover is probably the most sophomorically directed in Exhale. One person can keep a family together and, when that one person is gone, a family can be torn apart. Robin narrates] And he did it right. As Michael ⦠©2021 Dallas Observer, LP. Trying to shake off bad boys like the smoother-than-silk Russell, Robin latches onto co-worker Michael (Wendell Pierce). To find out more, visit our cookies policy and our privacy policy. Now as an adult, the 1995 classic Waiting to Exhale makes more sense! Opens December 22. Directed by Forest Whitaker. There is so much more here than other films about relationships are usually willing to tackle. Staff, Waiting to Exhale Synopsis: This story based on the best selling novel by Terry McMillan follows the lives of four African-American women as they try to deal with their very lives. It is a moment made poignant by the strong example set as Gloria endures manlessness through the course of her troubles. To say that the 1992 debut of Waiting to Exhale, Terry McMillanâs first best-seller, was a watershed moment in contemporary American fiction would be an understatement. with a plea: "Make it beautiful." Waiting to Exhale is author Terry McMillan's tightly told, 1992 chart-busting story of four professional African-American women with desires on hold. It is a powerful message--that her mother's apron strings have bound and gagged her own relationships. Her talents, and her dream of opening a restaurant, have been rerouted into raising kids and looking good. The much hyped movie, "Waiting to Exhale" is based on the best-selling, and better written, novel by Terry McMillan. Just a wonderful movie that shows what friendship is about. She also finds a few male friends who quickly remind her how some men are "like drying paint." Join the Observer community and help support independent local journalism in Dallas. If the statistics are correct, and one-third of black men are unavailable to professional black females, what is these women's fate when they age? John has decided this is the best moment for their lives to part. The life of the average African American is burdened with a variety of social problems some, but not all of which, stem from ⦠Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Lela Rochon, Loretta Devine. So all I know is I love this movie, and every time I watch it, it gives me great pleasure. Navigating through careers, family and romance, four friends bond over the shortcomings in their love lives -- namely, the scarcity of good men. ... Continuity mistake: In the scene where Robin and Michael are about to make love, Robin supposedly removes her underwear and throws them on the floor. At the beauty salon owned by Gloria (Loretta Divine), Hollywood's flair for stereotype rears its ugly, nappy head. The unfair rules of the game called love. Whitney, Brandy, Babyface,Faith Evans,and Mary J Blige make the music in the film absolutely great. Through their exchanges, the layers of despair and abandonment that exist between mothers and daughters come to new light. About Us, Rated R for language and some strong sexuality, Brandyâs âCinderella,â With Fairy Godmother Whitney Houston, Coming to Disney Plus, New Movies to Watch This Week: âRedemption Day,â âIf Not Now, When?â, âIf Not Now, When?â Review: Friends Stick Together in Actors Meagan Good and Tamara Bassâ Directing Debut. View production, box office, & company info. They're stupid. Written by Terry McMillan and Ronald Bass. How they stick together and grow together through life's mistakes, joys, and bad taste in men. This moment, like most of those in Exhale, can't be reduced to a "black thang." To the crowds of women who made it the No. David Adrine
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