Southside With You

"Southside with You," the first American narrative movie about the lives of Michelle and President Barack Obama, is, perhaps, one of the most under appreciated films of the year.

This subtle romance about the imagined first date between the U.S. President and the beloved First Lady premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January. Between August, the time the movie opened in theaters, and now, when it has been released on Blu-ray and DVD, "Southside"'s themes have grown all the more powerful and ironic. American politics requires cooperation and understanding, but the American spirit is ultimately born of revolution.

A truly independent film, this is writer and director Richard Tanne's feature debut, stars an unknown actor, Parker Sawyers, as Barack Obama and the little known Tika Sumpter as Michelle.

Essentially this is her story. Leaving a job in the nonprofit sector, Michelle moves to a large, corporate law firm where she struggles for fair treatment in a world of white men.

But here she meets Barack, a Harvard Law student who works under her as an intern. Despite the improprieties of dating a co-worker, Barack is a little too laid back for the meticulous Michelle, who struggles incredibly hard to maintain her dignity as she faces almost unconscious, but still pervasive, racism and sexism.

She will not agree to a date with this smooth talking man, but she will attend a town hall meeting with him.

Slowly, Barack wheedles in a few date-like activities: He tries to by her a sandwich and he takes her to an afro-centric art exhibit, where he introduces her to the work of Eddie Barnes and they quote Gwendolyn Brooks together.

The man does know his shit. But it is at the citizen's meeting (they are trying to fund a community center) at a rundown Southside church that the one-day President really wows his future wife.

This Blu-ray features a commentary with the writer/director, original artwork and animations. There is a dearth of good movie romances featuring African American characters. This beautiful, simple film forges a new start.

"Southside with You"
Blu-ray $29.98
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