Review of A Raisin in the Sun DVD (2008)
Diddy Stars in Adaptation of Classic Play Available on DVD
A Raisin in the Sun
Click to order via Amazon
Rating: PG-13
Running time: 131 minutes
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: May 13, 2008
DVD Extras: Director’s commentary, a ’Behind-the-Scenes’ featurette, and
bonus reviews.
DVD Review by Kam Williams
Excellent (4 stars)
Lorraine Hansberry’s (1930-1965) ’A Raisin in the Sun’ was the first
play written by a black woman ever to open on Broadway. It takes its
title from the opening line in a poem by
Langston Hughes which poses the
question ’What happens to a dream deferred?’
The original theatrical production debuted on March 11, 1959 and starred
Sidney Poitier and
Ruby Dee. Its semi-autobiographical storyline was
loosely based on real-life events which unfolded in Hansberry’s own
family back in the Thirties. At the time her parents had been met with
pure hatred after purchasing a home in a lily-white, Chicago enclave.
The play focuses on a fictional family named Younger with dreams of
moving out of the ghetto but still living in a dilapidated tenement on
Chicago’s South Side. A recent Broadway revival featured
Sean ’Diddy’
Combs surrounded by Phylicia Rashad, Audra McDonald,
Sanaa Lathan and
Bill Nunn. That talented ensemble has been reassembled for this latest
version.
At the point of departure, we meet Walter, Jr. (Combs) a hard-working 35
year-old chauffeur in the process of assuming the role of patriarch
following the death of his father. The plot revolves around the question
of how Walter Sr.’s life insurance proceeds ought to be spent.
Walter. Sr.’s widow (Rashad) thinks they should use the money to buy a home in a
white neighborhood, since the five of them are currently cramped in a
rundown, roach-infested apartment. His daughter, Beneathea (Lathan),
wants some of the money to pay for med school, while ambitious Walter
would like to invest in a liquor store with his pal, Bobo (Nunn), and
smooth-talking Willy (Ron C. Jones). After Lena hands the check over to
her son, it’s just a matter of time before she comes to regret that
ill-advised decision.
Helped immeasurably by his talented co-stars, Diddy comes of age as an
actor here, delivering a memorable performance in an African-American
literary classic which proves to be every bit as relevant today as the
day it was first staged.