Imagine choosing "Waiting to Exhale" as your first New Year's movie. Little did I know that the emotional cinematic roller coaster this film took me on would be both intense and unnecessary. From the moment it started, I sensed that my emotions were in for a ride, beginning with the slow Jam radio station and its soothing voice ushering in the new year. Before diving into the details, let me tell you where this movie stands in my ranking—it's currently at the top, and here's why.
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Synopsis
Waiting to Exhale" follows the journey of four strong, ambitious, beautiful Black women as they navigate the complexities of love, career, and friendship. The film beautifully portrays sophistication and class, yet challenges each lady faces in pursuit of fulfilling love. Their raw emotions pack a punch, making it a tale of self-discovery, unbreakable bonds, and overcoming obstacles—all with a strange connection to New Year's Resolutions.
Starting and Ending with New Year’s
The film unfolds and concludes with New Year's, encapsulating everything within a year. As I reflect on the challenges these women faced in just 365 days, it leaves me both inspired and apprehensive about the uncertainties of my own year. As I have been putting off getting into a relationship for a long time.
The Story and Cinematics :
Vibrant colors and dynamic camera work add sophistication, enhancing the emotional impact. The directorial choices seamlessly blend visual and narrative elements, keeping the audience engaged from start to finish. At its core, the film weaves a compelling narrative transcending cultural boundaries, exploring love, heartbreak, and resilience.
Each character facing unique challenges that resonate universally. The screenplay's authenticity allows the audience to connect with the characters on a deep, emotional level, making the storytelling a standout feature of the film
The Women
Waiting to Exhale (1995) Directed by Forest Whitaker Shown from left: Loretta Devine, Angela Bassett, Whitney Houston, Lela Rochon
The cast, featuring Angela Bassett and Loretta Devine, is nothing short of amazing. Each actress brought their characters to life, making me love, empathize, and even disagree with their decisions. The characters are captivating, and let's dive into the lives of Robin, Savannah, Gloria, and the formidable Bernadine Harris played by Angela Bassett.
Let’s get into the characters.
Robin
Robin is jumping from man to man and not finding the man that makes her happy. She compares all of her flings to a married man that convinced her to uproot her life to be closer to him and get her pregnant. Just for him to not leave his wife and her aborting the baby. I wanted to shake and say she was beautiful and worthy and ever man she slept with were not in her league.l I wanted to shout that she was better than that.
Savannah
Savannah, just got a promotion and is trying to make moves in her career, while also trying to find love. She become a married man’s mistress and again I wanted to scream, like ladies come on. Two women falling for the mistress role at two separate stages. Robin having been in the situation for a while and Savannah just now throwing herself into this situation. Thankfully, Savannah got out before she got seriously hurt. Also Savannah's man showed that he had a manipulative character.
Gloria
Gloria the mother of a son that she has trouble letting go of. She just wants someone to hold her, but isn’t putting herself out their. She doesn't think about herself much because she is allaying putting her son. It shows a unhealthy mother - son relationship because she enabled him and then blamed her son when he wasn't doing anything with his life. Of all the women she is more reserved, and sheltered.
Bernadine Harris
Bernadine is the women going through a rough divorce. She knew her husband was cheating on her at the beginning of the movie and within the first 10 minutes of her onscreen performance her husband tells her that she is filing for divorce.
Here’s the kicker, Bernadine is presented as the strong of the girls and in that moment it shows that her husband openly was having an affair and flaunting his mistress in public. It shows that when it came to her man she took a submissive position that backfired for her. She took a backseat for her husband to succeed. It showed that she was trying to recover and gain power through the movie, burning her husband's clothes and selling something. She switched her character only portraying anger towards her husband and everyone else see's the vulnerable and sensitive side she has.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Waiting to Exhale" is a must-watch, offering a powerful narrative, captivating characters, and visuals that leave a lasting impression. As we embark on a new year, this film serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges, triumphs, and the unbreakable spirit within us all.
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