The Visit

I saw this movie last Sunday at the Method Fest in Pasadena, CA. While I must admit that I went simply because Hill Harper was in it, it turned out to be an excellent movie. It moved me. It made me cry, laugh and think. Billy Dee Williams and Marla Gibbs reminded me, in some respects, of my parents. Rae Dawn Chong also reminded me of a relative. Hill Harper's character moved me most, you feel his pain, you know his character is innocent. He is an excellent actor and I'd really like to see much more of him on the big screen.

The synergy of the entire cast was wonderful. They fed off of each other's energy. But of course, without a wonderful director, there is no wonderful film. I would really like to see this film again, I'd like to own a video copy. I hope this film can find it's way into major theaters, it really deserves to be seen by a wider audience.

I saw this at the Chicago Film Festival when it premiered, and as such was able to attend a talk back with the director, Jordan Walker Pearlman, and Hill Harper. Pearlman explained how he truly did believe that he was insane, while Harper joked about how "City of Angels" (2000) was probably not going to survive due to its competitive schedule. I'm just pointing this out to note that my opinion might be slightly biased, because I really did enjoy talking to these two people. I can truthfully say that this was the best film at the Festival.

The movie centers on the prison visitations Hill Harper's character receives from his family. (Mainly his brother, Tony) He must struggle to find hope and wishes to say his good-byes while he is still health. (He is dying of AIDS) These struggles he has to overcome include an unforgiving father, the parole board, an old crush, and ultimately his bought with AIDS. This movie made me feel sad and free at the same time. This is a celebration of the human spirit in a very bleak situation. The visit does move a little slow, but it was not intended to move quickly. The acting is outstanding form every cast member. It is an important picture, but is low on replay value. This was an experience, and I wouldn't want to corrupt the original viewing by seeing again. The ultimate message was very touching and still sticks with me. That's why I'd give this film a nine. I strongly suggest The Visit, but I do not ever wish to see it again.

I fell asleep with the t.v. on and woke up to find this film. That was the end of the night. I was riveted to the tube. The performances were flawless and so real that I entered into the film and was right there with all of them. Each character was moving and understandable. You have met all of them in your lifetime. It was so moving. The tears flowed and I was taken on a journey into his life. It didn't matter that we did not see what transpired to bring him into prison. You had to believe in him and believe in his innocence to really feel where he was at. The brother summed up what the journey was all about when he spoke at the funeral. It just verbalized what I saw happening and that the prison of his anger was where the real bars existed and that had to be removed by him and only him to allow freedom. What superb metaphor! And we all can relate. I truly would see the movie again and again and am seeking a copy to keep. It is a masterpiece in a celluloid world where few exist.

Easily Hill Harper's best role. African-American movie that really touched me from the bottom of my soul. It's very artistic expression, and strong philosophical approach in the discussions when Visited in prison, brings really something to hold and build on too. Also the sickness he has, and knowing that he will die there, plus his rejected parole on top of everything... just a set of tragic motions. Getting closer with your relatives in prison than outside has been important subject for every prisoner who has nothing but time to kill. Definetly one of my favourite prison movies ever.

The Visit tells the story of a inmate convicted of rape who is looking to a parole after 5 years in prison. In this time period, we watch as he gets visits from his brother, mother, father and an old friend. These visits and his parole board meeting are the strongest parts of the movie filled with good acting (in particular from Harper and Williams), but the film gets lowered due to un-needed dramatic cut-away edits and weird scenes outside of the prison which shouldn't be. Watchable for the redemption scenes, but has it's share of flaws along the way. B+ (just slightly)