A Rage in Harlem

A Rage in Harlem

This is a movie I remember seeing when it was released. I loved it back then but hadn't seen it since. Turns out I still love it. It's full steam ahead romp through late 1940s Harlem, funny, sassy and somewhat deep at times (although not too much). It's not too politically correct, although not offensive in any way (the fact that it's adapted from a Chester Himes novel gives it a certain latitude in the way it depicts Harlem, I guess). Robin Givens and Forrest Whittaker are perfect, and fans of the Wire / Treme might recognise a young Wendell Pierce as one of Whittaker's undertaker colleagues. Oh, and the soundtrack is gorgeous, tons of old blues and a fantastic Screaming Jay Hawkins cameo.