SCREEN IT! PARENTAL REVIEW: FOR COLORED GIRLS

"FOR COLORED GIRLS"
(2010) (Thandie Newton, Kimberly Elise) (R)

Alcohol/ Drugs	Blood/Gore	Disrespectful/ Bad Attitude	Frightening/ Tense Scenes	Guns/ Weapons
Heavy	Mild	Extreme	Extreme	Minor

Imitative Behavior	Jump Scenes	Music (Scary/Tense)	Music (Inappropriate)	Profanity
Heavy	None	Heavy	None	Extreme

Sex/ Nudity	Smoking	Tense Family Scenes	Topics To Talk About	Violence
Extreme	Moderate	Extreme	Extreme	Extreme

QUICK TAKE:: Drama: The lives of various women intersect as they deal with various issues involving their experiences as black women in America.

PLOT:

Joanna (JANET JACKSON) is a demanding magazine publisher whose behavior not only emasculates her husband, Carl (OMAR HARDWICK), but also demeans her personal assistant, Crystal (KIMBERLY ELISE). Little does Joanna know, however, that Crystal's live-in, military veteran boyfriend, Beau Willie (MICHAEL EALY) -- who's the father to her two young kids -- routinely abuses her, having come back from the war not quite right, a problem exacerbated by his alcoholism.

Social worker Kelly (KERRY WASHINGTON) is aware of the problem but not the severity, although she's distracted by the fact that she can't bear any children for her cop husband, Donald (HILL HARPER). Someone who knows of the abuse is Crystal's apartment manager, Gilda (PHYLICIA RASHAD), but while she babysits their kids, she's often distracted by next-door neighbor Tangie (THANDIE NEWTON). That's not only because the bartender is often visited by her ultra religious mother, Alice (WHOOPI GOLDBERG), who's always asking for more money, but also due to the fact that Tangie entertains a different man in her place every night.

That's unlike her younger sister, Nyla (TESSA THOMPSON), who still lives with her mom and has only recently lost her virginity. She spends most of her time taking dance classes taught by Yasmine (ANIKA NONE ROSE) who's recently become the object of attention for Bill (KHALIL KAIN) who charms her into starting to date him.

Hospital nurse Juanita (LORETTA DIVINE), however, would probably encourage her to be cautious as she teaches classes about empowering women when it comes to dealing with men, even when she can't keep her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Frank (RICHARD LAWSON), from moving out and going back to another woman. As the women go about their lives, they must contend with the repercussions of their actions as well as their interaction with each other and the men in their lives.

WILL KIDS WANT TO SEE IT?: Unless they're fans of the original play, Tyler Perry movies, and/or any of the performers in the movie, the subject matter doesn't seem likely to attract many non-adults.

WHY THE MPAA RATED IT: R: For some disturbing violence including a rape, sexual content and language.

CAST AS ROLE MODELS:: JANET JACKSON plays a successful but demanding magazine publisher, a tough boss who isn't nice to Crystal and emasculates her own husband. She must contend with a surprise revelation regarding him, and briefly drinks.
OMAR HARDWICK plays her husband, a broker who feels emasculated by his wife, uses strong profanity, and turns out to be bisexual (with accompanying baggage).
KIMBERLY ELISE plays Joanna's long-suffering assistant who's also the psychologically and physically abused girlfriend to Beau Willie with whom she has two young children. She must contend with his actions, especially when he's been drinking, some of which have tragic results.
MICHAEL EALY plays her live-in boyfriend, a military vet who's severely troubled after his return from the war. His disappointment, jealousy and more are enhanced by his drinking which is when he mentally and physically abuses Crystal. He uses strong profanity, briefly smokes, and goes to drastic and tragic extremes in one instance.
PHYLICIA RASHAD plays their apartment manager and next-door neighbor who's fully aware of that abuse and tries to shield their kids from that through babysitting them. She must also contend with Tangie's behavior and attitude toward her.
THANDIE NEWTON plays that neighbor, a sexually promiscuous bartender who has a different man at her place every night. She's disrespectful toward Gilda, wants nothing to do with her own mother, and laughs at her sister for being less than angelic and ending up pregnant. She uses strong profanity, and admits to a past abortion.
WHOOPI GOLDBERG plays her mother, a highly religious woman who doesn't approve of Tangie's lifestyle or Nyla ending up pregnant. She also appears to be a hoarder.
TESSA THOMPSON plays her daughter who still lives at home and is a dance student, but now that he's just recently lost her virginity, she finds herself pregnant and then goes to get an abortion.
ANIKA NONE ROSE plays her dance instructor, who's eventually charmed by Bill to start dating him, only to end up as his rape victim.
KHALIL KAIN plays that man who rapes her on their second date.
LORETTA DIVINE plays a hospital nurse and social center volunteer who tries to educate local women about safe sex as well as dealing with men in general. She uses profanity and is torn between loving and hating her on-again, off-again live-in boyfriend, Frank.
RICHARD LAWSON plays that man who routinely leaves her to go back and live with another woman, only to return and then repeat that cycle.
KERRY WASHINGTON plays the social worker assigned to check on Crystal and Beau's kids, but while she notes problems, she doesn't pay heed to Gilda's comments about abuse occurring next door. She's married to Donald, and is upset that she can't get pregnant.
HILL HARPER plays her husband, a local cop.; OMAR HARDWICK plays her husband, a broker who feels emasculated by his wife, uses strong profanity, and turns out to be bisexual (with accompanying baggage).
KIMBERLY ELISE plays Joanna's long-suffering assistant who's also the psychologically and physically abused girlfriend to Beau Willie with whom she has two young children. She must contend with his actions, especially when he's been drinking, some of which have tragic results.
MICHAEL EALY plays her live-in boyfriend, a military vet who's severely troubled after his return from the war. His disappointment, jealousy and more are enhanced by his drinking which is when he mentally and physically abuses Crystal. He uses strong profanity, briefly smokes, and goes to drastic and tragic extremes in one instance.
PHYLICIA RASHAD plays their apartment manager and next-door neighbor who's fully aware of that abuse and tries to shield their kids from that through babysitting them. She must also contend with Tangie's behavior and attitude toward her.
THANDIE NEWTON plays that neighbor, a sexually promiscuous bartender who has a different man at her place every night. She's disrespectful toward Gilda, wants nothing to do with her own mother, and laughs at her sister for being less than angelic and ending up pregnant. She uses strong profanity, and admits to a past abortion.
WHOOPI GOLDBERG plays her mother, a highly religious woman who doesn't approve of Tangie's lifestyle or Nyla ending up pregnant. She also appears to be a hoarder.
TESSA THOMPSON plays her daughter who still lives at home and is a dance student, but now that he's just recently lost her virginity, she finds herself pregnant and then goes to get an abortion.
ANIKA NONE ROSE plays her dance instructor, who's eventually charmed by Bill to start dating him, only to end up as his rape victim.
KHALIL KAIN plays that man who rapes her on their second date.
LORETTA DIVINE plays a hospital nurse and social center volunteer who tries to educate local women about safe sex as well as dealing with men in general. She uses profanity and is torn between loving and hating her on-again, off-again live-in boyfriend, Frank.
RICHARD LAWSON plays that man who routinely leaves her to go back and live with another woman, only to return and then repeat that cycle.
KERRY WASHINGTON plays the social worker assigned to check on Crystal and Beau's kids, but while she notes problems, she doesn't pay heed to Gilda's comments about abuse occurring next door. She's married to Donald, and is upset that she can't get pregnant.
HILL HARPER plays her husband, a local cop.; KIMBERLY ELISE plays Joanna's long-suffering assistant who's also the psychologically and physically abused girlfriend to Beau Willie with whom she has two young children. She must contend with his actions, especially when he's been drinking, some of which have tragic results.
MICHAEL EALY plays her live-in boyfriend, a military vet who's severely troubled after his return from the war. His disappointment, jealousy and more are enhanced by his drinking which is when he mentally and physically abuses Crystal. He uses strong profanity, briefly smokes, and goes to drastic and tragic extremes in one instance.
PHYLICIA RASHAD plays their apartment manager and next-door neighbor who's fully aware of that abuse and tries to shield their kids from that through babysitting them. She must also contend with Tangie's behavior and attitude toward her.
THANDIE NEWTON plays that neighbor, a sexually promiscuous bartender who has a different man at her place every night. She's disrespectful toward Gilda, wants nothing to do with her own mother, and laughs at her sister for being less than angelic and ending up pregnant. She uses strong profanity, and admits to a past abortion.
WHOOPI GOLDBERG plays her mother, a highly religious woman who doesn't approve of Tangie's lifestyle or Nyla ending up pregnant. She also appears to be a hoarder.
TESSA THOMPSON plays her daughter who still lives at home and is a dance student, but now that he's just recently lost her virginity, she finds herself pregnant and then goes to get an abortion.
ANIKA NONE ROSE plays her dance instructor, who's eventually charmed by Bill to start dating him, only to end up as his rape victim.
KHALIL KAIN plays that man who rapes her on their second date.
LORETTA DIVINE plays a hospital nurse and social center volunteer who tries to educate local women about safe sex as well as dealing with men in general. She uses profanity and is torn between loving and hating her on-again, off-again live-in boyfriend, Frank.
RICHARD LAWSON plays that man who routinely leaves her to go back and live with another woman, only to return and then repeat that cycle.
KERRY WASHINGTON plays the social worker assigned to check on Crystal and Beau's kids, but while she notes problems, she doesn't pay heed to Gilda's comments about abuse occurring next door. She's married to Donald, and is upset that she can't get pregnant.
HILL HARPER plays her husband, a local cop.; MICHAEL EALY plays her live-in boyfriend, a military vet who's severely troubled after his return from the war. His disappointment, jealousy and more are enhanced by his drinking which is when he mentally and physically abuses Crystal. He uses strong profanity, briefly smokes, and goes to drastic and tragic extremes in one instance.
PHYLICIA RASHAD plays their apartment manager and next-door neighbor who's fully aware of that abuse and tries to shield their kids from that through babysitting them. She must also contend with Tangie's behavior and attitude toward her.
THANDIE NEWTON plays that neighbor, a sexually promiscuous bartender who has a different man at her place every night. She's disrespectful toward Gilda, wants nothing to do with her own mother, and laughs at her sister for being less than angelic and ending up pregnant. She uses strong profanity, and admits to a past abortion.
WHOOPI GOLDBERG plays her mother, a highly religious woman who doesn't approve of Tangie's lifestyle or Nyla ending up pregnant. She also appears to be a hoarder.
TESSA THOMPSON plays her daughter who still lives at home and is a dance student, but now that he's just recently lost her virginity, she finds herself pregnant and then goes to get an abortion.
ANIKA NONE ROSE plays her dance instructor, who's eventually charmed by Bill to start dating him, only to end up as his rape victim.
KHALIL KAIN plays that man who rapes her on their second date.
LORETTA DIVINE plays a hospital nurse and social center volunteer who tries to educate local women about safe sex as well as dealing with men in general. She uses profanity and is torn between loving and hating her on-again, off-again live-in boyfriend, Frank.
RICHARD LAWSON plays that man who routinely leaves her to go back and live with another woman, only to return and then repeat that cycle.
KERRY WASHINGTON plays the social worker assigned to check on Crystal and Beau's kids, but while she notes problems, she doesn't pay heed to Gilda's comments about abuse occurring next door. She's married to Donald, and is upset that she can't get pregnant.
HILL HARPER plays her husband, a local cop.; PHYLICIA RASHAD plays their apartment manager and next-door neighbor who's fully aware of that abuse and tries to shield their kids from that through babysitting them. She must also contend with Tangie's behavior and attitude toward her.
THANDIE NEWTON plays that neighbor, a sexually promiscuous bartender who has a different man at her place every night. She's disrespectful toward Gilda, wants nothing to do with her own mother, and laughs at her sister for being less than angelic and ending up pregnant. She uses strong profanity, and admits to a past abortion.
WHOOPI GOLDBERG plays her mother, a highly religious woman who doesn't approve of Tangie's lifestyle or Nyla ending up pregnant. She also appears to be a hoarder.
TESSA THOMPSON plays her daughter who still lives at home and is a dance student, but now that he's just recently lost her virginity, she finds herself pregnant and then goes to get an abortion.
ANIKA NONE ROSE plays her dance instructor, who's eventually charmed by Bill to start dating him, only to end up as his rape victim.
KHALIL KAIN plays that man who rapes her on their second date.
LORETTA DIVINE plays a hospital nurse and social center volunteer who tries to educate local women about safe sex as well as dealing with men in general. She uses profanity and is torn between loving and hating her on-again, off-again live-in boyfriend, Frank.
RICHARD LAWSON plays that man who routinely leaves her to go back and live with another woman, only to return and then repeat that cycle.
KERRY WASHINGTON plays the social worker assigned to check on Crystal and Beau's kids, but while she notes problems, she doesn't pay heed to Gilda's comments about abuse occurring next door. She's married to Donald, and is upset that she can't get pregnant.
HILL HARPER plays her husband, a local cop.; THANDIE NEWTON plays that neighbor, a sexually promiscuous bartender who has a different man at her place every night. She's disrespectful toward Gilda, wants nothing to do with her own mother, and laughs at her sister for being less than angelic and ending up pregnant. She uses strong profanity, and admits to a past abortion.
WHOOPI GOLDBERG plays her mother, a highly religious woman who doesn't approve of Tangie's lifestyle or Nyla ending up pregnant. She also appears to be a hoarder.
TESSA THOMPSON plays her daughter who still lives at home and is a dance student, but now that he's just recently lost her virginity, she finds herself pregnant and then goes to get an abortion.
ANIKA NONE ROSE plays her dance instructor, who's eventually charmed by Bill to start dating him, only to end up as his rape victim.
KHALIL KAIN plays that man who rapes her on their second date.
LORETTA DIVINE plays a hospital nurse and social center volunteer who tries to educate local women about safe sex as well as dealing with men in general. She uses profanity and is torn between loving and hating her on-again, off-again live-in boyfriend, Frank.
RICHARD LAWSON plays that man who routinely leaves her to go back and live with another woman, only to return and then repeat that cycle.
KERRY WASHINGTON plays the social worker assigned to check on Crystal and Beau's kids, but while she notes problems, she doesn't pay heed to Gilda's comments about abuse occurring next door. She's married to Donald, and is upset that she can't get pregnant.
HILL HARPER plays her husband, a local cop.; WHOOPI GOLDBERG plays her mother, a highly religious woman who doesn't approve of Tangie's lifestyle or Nyla ending up pregnant. She also appears to be a hoarder.
TESSA THOMPSON plays her daughter who still lives at home and is a dance student, but now that he's just recently lost her virginity, she finds herself pregnant and then goes to get an abortion.
ANIKA NONE ROSE plays her dance instructor, who's eventually charmed by Bill to start dating him, only to end up as his rape victim.
KHALIL KAIN plays that man who rapes her on their second date.
LORETTA DIVINE plays a hospital nurse and social center volunteer who tries to educate local women about safe sex as well as dealing with men in general. She uses profanity and is torn between loving and hating her on-again, off-again live-in boyfriend, Frank.
RICHARD LAWSON plays that man who routinely leaves her to go back and live with another woman, only to return and then repeat that cycle.
KERRY WASHINGTON plays the social worker assigned to check on Crystal and Beau's kids, but while she notes problems, she doesn't pay heed to Gilda's comments about abuse occurring next door. She's married to Donald, and is upset that she can't get pregnant.
HILL HARPER plays her husband, a local cop.; TESSA THOMPSON plays her daughter who still lives at home and is a dance student, but now that he's just recently lost her virginity, she finds herself pregnant and then goes to get an abortion.
ANIKA NONE ROSE plays her dance instructor, who's eventually charmed by Bill to start dating him, only to end up as his rape victim.
KHALIL KAIN plays that man who rapes her on their second date.
LORETTA DIVINE plays a hospital nurse and social center volunteer who tries to educate local women about safe sex as well as dealing with men in general. She uses profanity and is torn between loving and hating her on-again, off-again live-in boyfriend, Frank.
RICHARD LAWSON plays that man who routinely leaves her to go back and live with another woman, only to return and then repeat that cycle.
KERRY WASHINGTON plays the social worker assigned to check on Crystal and Beau's kids, but while she notes problems, she doesn't pay heed to Gilda's comments about abuse occurring next door. She's married to Donald, and is upset that she can't get pregnant.
HILL HARPER plays her husband, a local cop.; ANIKA NONE ROSE plays her dance instructor, who's eventually charmed by Bill to start dating him, only to end up as his rape victim.
KHALIL KAIN plays that man who rapes her on their second date.
LORETTA DIVINE plays a hospital nurse and social center volunteer who tries to educate local women about safe sex as well as dealing with men in general. She uses profanity and is torn between loving and hating her on-again, off-again live-in boyfriend, Frank.
RICHARD LAWSON plays that man who routinely leaves her to go back and live with another woman, only to return and then repeat that cycle.
KERRY WASHINGTON plays the social worker assigned to check on Crystal and Beau's kids, but while she notes problems, she doesn't pay heed to Gilda's comments about abuse occurring next door. She's married to Donald, and is upset that she can't get pregnant.
HILL HARPER plays her husband, a local cop.; KHALIL KAIN plays that man who rapes her on their second date.
LORETTA DIVINE plays a hospital nurse and social center volunteer who tries to educate local women about safe sex as well as dealing with men in general. She uses profanity and is torn between loving and hating her on-again, off-again live-in boyfriend, Frank.
RICHARD LAWSON plays that man who routinely leaves her to go back and live with another woman, only to return and then repeat that cycle.
KERRY WASHINGTON plays the social worker assigned to check on Crystal and Beau's kids, but while she notes problems, she doesn't pay heed to Gilda's comments about abuse occurring next door. She's married to Donald, and is upset that she can't get pregnant.
HILL HARPER plays her husband, a local cop.; LORETTA DIVINE plays a hospital nurse and social center volunteer who tries to educate local women about safe sex as well as dealing with men in general. She uses profanity and is torn between loving and hating her on-again, off-again live-in boyfriend, Frank.
RICHARD LAWSON plays that man who routinely leaves her to go back and live with another woman, only to return and then repeat that cycle.
KERRY WASHINGTON plays the social worker assigned to check on Crystal and Beau's kids, but while she notes problems, she doesn't pay heed to Gilda's comments about abuse occurring next door. She's married to Donald, and is upset that she can't get pregnant.
HILL HARPER plays her husband, a local cop.; RICHARD LAWSON plays that man who routinely leaves her to go back and live with another woman, only to return and then repeat that cycle.
KERRY WASHINGTON plays the social worker assigned to check on Crystal and Beau's kids, but while she notes problems, she doesn't pay heed to Gilda's comments about abuse occurring next door. She's married to Donald, and is upset that she can't get pregnant.
HILL HARPER plays her husband, a local cop.; KERRY WASHINGTON plays the social worker assigned to check on Crystal and Beau's kids, but while she notes problems, she doesn't pay heed to Gilda's comments about abuse occurring next door. She's married to Donald, and is upset that she can't get pregnant.
HILL HARPER plays her husband, a local cop.; HILL HARPER plays her husband, a local cop.

CAST, CREW, & TECHNICAL INFO

HOW OTHERS RATED THIS MOVIE

Curious if this title is entertaining, any good, and/or has any artistic merit?
Then read OUR TAKE of this film.

(Note: The "Our Take" review of this title examines the film's artistic merits and does not take into account any of the possibly objectionable material listed below).

OUR WORD TO PARENTS:

Here's a brief summary of the content found in this R-rated drama. Profanity consists of at least 14 "f" words, while other expletives and colorful phrases are also uttered. Sexually related dialogue (some of it explicit) is present, while partially seen and off-screen sex (including that involving a promiscuous woman) occurs in various scenes. Scantily clad men and women are seen, as is some nudity (bare butts, partial bare breasts) and varying amounts of cleavage.

There's also a rape, while a father drops his two young children to their deaths (after abusing their mother in other scenes). Other struggling and related contact also occurs. Those moments and related peril could be unsettling and/or suspenseful to viewers.

Many bad attitudes are present, as is a great deal of tense family material and all sorts of thematic elements. Potentially imitative behavior is also present. Drinking occurs in various scenes (including one man who has a drinking problem, and another who states he's drunk), there's possible brief drug use (pot) and some drug-related comments.

Should you still be concerned about the film's appropriateness for yourself or anyone else in your home, you may want to look more closely at our detailed listings for more specific information regarding the film's content.

For those prone to visually induced motion sickness, there's some handheld camera footage from time to time.

ALCOHOL OR DRUG USE: Gilda informs Kelly that Beau hasn't been the same since returning from the war, that he drinks, and that he beats up Crystal.
In dance class, Nyla tells the other girls about her recent experience where she was the only virgin in the group, and that a Buick pulled up smelling of alcohol and women "in heat." She then says she went to a party, got drunk, and couldn't tell whose hand was on her thigh. She then goes on about her hips and doing nasty things she'd been thinking about. She then infers that she lost her virginity in the backseat with one of the guys she met.
Tangie works as a bartender where various people drink. She chats with one customer about his drink choice, saying it indicates he's married, wants to get buzzed, and check on the possibility of any action. He confirms that, and we later see him back at her place. She pushes him onto the bed, his shirt is open, and she starts to undo his pants, but he says he only has $80. She's taken aback by that, asking if he thinks she's a hooker, and he states he's drunk.
Beau tells Crystal to get him a drink, but she only brings him a glass of water. He then throws that against the wall, retrieves a bottle of booze, and then states that he isn't an alcoholic.
Yasmine and Bill have what appear to be drinks with dinner.
Miscellaneous people drink.
An abortionist drinks and then uses that booze to sterilize her medical equipment.
Yasmine and Bill have some wine.
Beau may smoke a joint (or he's holding a small cigarette like one) while he also drinks.
About her rape charge, Donald asks Yasmine if she was drinking. She replies she had a sip of wine and that she doesn't drink.
Tangie says she's a deliberate coke-head who can never do without (but we didn't catch if that's a metaphor or what).
Joanna has a drink.
We see that Crystal has apparently tried to overdose (Gilda finds her, with pills by her on the floor). An ambulance then rushes her off to the hospital.
During a bout of speeches where metaphors are bantered about, Tangie comments on a guy who's high.

BLOOD/GORE: Nyla rushes out of class and vomits into a trashcan (due to being pregnant).
After Beau beats her up, Crystal has a bloody nose.
We see Crystal desperately trying to scrub her dead kids' blood (not really seen as the cement is wet with water) off the sidewalk where they died.
Yasmine learns that the man who raped her was killed by his latest victim. She goes in and looks at the corpse and then slaps the dead man's face (but beyond being dead we don't see any blood related to his murder).

DISRESPECTFUL/BAD ATTITUDE: We see a guy getting dressed in the background of a shot in Tangie's bedroom (we see a partial view of his bare butt). She's in panties and a top (under an open robe) and asks him to leave. That makes him mad and he calls her a "crazy ass bitch."
Seeing Tangie sweeping dirt out into the hallway, Gilda tells her to clean it up. Tangie defiantly says it's dust that will blow away, but Gilda sarcastically replies "Everything doesn't blow like you."
Tangie is disrespectful to Gilda, her next-door neighbor and apartment manager.
Beau abuses Crystal, both physically and emotionally.
Beau isn't nice to Kelly when she comes to check on his and Crystal's kids, and knocks papers from her hands.
Tangie isn't respectful of her mom when she comes asking for money left to Tangie by her grandfather or father to disperse to Alice. She also belittles her religion.
Joanna is curt with Juanita when the latter comes asking for money for her social charity.
Joanna is upset with Carl taking $200,000 of her money and investing it without asking or telling her.
Tangie laughs about Nyla being pregnant.
Frank repeatedly breaks Juanita's heart by moving out and then back in with her after going back to and then again leaving another woman.
Nyla lies to Tangie about why she needs $300.
For those opposed to abortions, Nyla has a "back alley" one (not actually seen).
Back at her place for dinner, Bill stares up Yasmine's legs to her clothed butt in her dress. With her back turned to him, he starts unbuttoning and then removes his shirt, making her nervous, with him saying she knows why she invited him there. He then removes his pants (we see his bare butt) and then grabs Yasmine, pinning her on the floor, face down, which is how he rapes her (we see movement as that scene is intercut with an unrelated one).
While intoxicated and wrongly jealous of Crystal, Beau wants to know who the man in the car is who drove her home (it's Joanna's driver, and she's also in the car, waiting for Crystal to retrieve some papers). He then starts roughing her up, with Gilda next door trying to distract their kids while sounds of violence come through the wall that moves from violent contact on the other side.
In front of their kids, Beau asks Crystal, "You gonna be a whore all your life?" and tells her "You're just a damn whore," while he also tells their daughter, "Your mom's sick."
Beau roughs up Crystal again, throwing her around. He then kicks out a window, grabs their kids, and dangles them by their wrists out the window, many stories above the sidewalk. Gilda rushes downstairs and out onto the street for help, while Crystal climbs over Beau's back to try to save her kids. But Beau lets go of them and they fall away, although we don't see the fatal impact below.
For those opposed to abortion, Alice states she was with Tangie when the latter had her abortion.
Tangie asks Gilda, "What the hell you looking at, you old bitch?" When she accidentally locks herself out, she yells at Gilda, "Open this m*therf*cking door!"
A guy returns to Tangie's place, but spots her adult sister across the way. He then asks if Nyla can join them. Tangie makes him leave, he gets mad, and she asks if he likes to "f*ck" little boys too, asking if her little "t*tties" make him think of that.

FRIGHTENING SCENES: Beau tells Crystal to get him a drink, but she only brings him a glass of water. He then throws that against the wall, retrieves a bottle of booze, and then states that he isn't an alcoholic.
Nyla goes down a dangerous looking alley (complete with a barking dog) on her way to have an abortion. The female abortionist doesn't look safe as she smokes and drinks (and uses her booze to sterilize her scary-looking medical instruments).
Back at her place for dinner, Bill stares up Yasmine's legs to her clothed butt in her dress. With her back turned to him, he starts unbuttoning and then removes his shirt, making her nervous, with him saying she knows why she invited him there. He then removes his pants (we see his bare butt) and then grabs Yasmine, pinning her on the floor, face down, which is how he rapes her (we see movement as that scene is intercut with an unrelated one).
While intoxicated and wrongly jealous of Crystal, Beau wants to know who the man in the car is who drove her home (it's Joanna's driver, and she's also in the car, waiting for Crystal to retrieve some papers). He then starts roughing her up, with Gilda next door trying to distract their kids while sounds of violence come through the wall that moves from violent contact on the other side.
Beau roughs up Crystal again, throwing her around. He then kicks out a window, grabs their kids, and dangles them by their wrists out the window, many stories above the sidewalk. Gilda rushes downstairs and out onto the street for help, while Crystal climbs over Beau's back to try to save her kids. But Beau lets go of them and they fall away, although we don't see the fatal impact below.
We see that Crystal has apparently tried to overdose (Gilda finds her, with pills by her on the floor). An ambulance then rushes her off to the hospital.

GUNS/WEAPONS: Donald wears his official police sidearm in several scenes.

IMITATIVE BEHAVIOR: Phrases: "What the f*ck is wrong with you?" "Get the f*ck out of here," "You've been f*cking," "F*cking me around," "Open this m*therf*cking door," "What the f*ck did you just ask me?" "Bullsh*t," "I'm too old for this sh*t," "This is some sick sh*t," "I'm not listening to this sh*t no more," "Everything doesn't blow like you," "Tramp," "That little slut," "You gonna be a whore all your life?" "You're just a damn whore," "Bitch," "Crazy ass bitch," "Crazy bitch," "Your damn self," "Your old ass," "Ain't this a bitch?" "Bastards," "Crazy as hell," "You are gonna rot in Hell," "Tacky ass," "Leave me the hell alone," "Get your ass out of here," "You son of a bitch," "You think I'm boo-boo the fool," "Hell no," "Where the hell is she?" "I know you, you're the devil," "What the hell you looking at, you old bitch?" "Sit down and shut up," "Damn you," "Get your nosey ass back in your apartment" and "I can feel you looking at my ass, old lady."
Tangie is sexually promiscuous.
Beau sports various tattoos.
Tangie has a pierced nostril.
We see miscellaneous graffiti.
We see miscellaneous tattoos.
Bill has various tattoos.
We see that Crystal has apparently tried to overdose (Gilda finds her, with pills by her on the floor). An ambulance then rushes her off to the hospital.

JUMP SCENES: None.

MUSIC (SCARY/TENSE): A heavy amount of ominous and suspenseful music plays in the film.

MUSIC (INAPPROPRIATE): None.

PROFANITY: At least 14 "f" words (4 used with "mother," 4 used sexually), 8 "s" words, 2 slang terms for breasts ("t*t" and "t*tties"), 14 asses, 14 damns, 7 hells, 1 S.O.B. and 1 use each of "Oh Jesus" and "Oh my God."

SEX/NUDITY: Nyla shows cleavage while doing various dance moves.
Joanna shows varying amounts of cleavage (sometimes a lot) in various outfits in various scenes.
We see Carl in the shower in the background of a shot where Joanna is in the foreground. The material on the shower doors blocks the midsection of his body (and thus there's no explicit nudity).
We see Beau on top of Crystal (who has a cleavage-revealing top on) right after sex. There's no movement or sounds, but she doesn't look happy.
Nyla checks a pregnancy test stick (we don't see the results, but later learn she's pregnant).
We see a guy getting dressed in the background of a shot in Tangie's bedroom (we see a partial view of his bare butt). She's in panties and a top (under an open robe) and asks him to leave. That makes him mad and he calls her a "crazy ass bitch."
Seeing Tangie sweeping dirt out into the hallway, Gilda tells her to clean it up. Tangie defiantly says it's dust that will blow away, but Gilda sarcastically replies "Everything doesn't blow like you."
Gilda refers to a bruise under Crystal's "t*t" (not seen, and from abuse by Beau).
In dance class, Nyla tells the other girls about her recent experience where she was the only virgin in the group, and that a Buick pulled up smelling of alcohol and women "in heat." She then says she went to a party, got drunk, and couldn't tell whose hand was on her thigh. She then goes on about her hips and doing nasty things she'd been thinking about. She then infers that she lost her virginity in the backseat with one of the guys she met.
Donald and his female partner drive up to a parked car at night where a man is apparently receiving oral sex (we partially see a head moving up and down at his crotch - viewed from outside the car).
Juanita shows cleavage.
We hear that Kelly's fallopian tubes are scarred (and thus preventing pregnancy) due to a past STD.
In her social center, Juanita talks of giving out free condoms to women, has a large page with related things written on it, and then mentions the use of water-based lubricants with said condoms. She also states the various excuses men state to not use condoms, such as not feeling the same (as not using them).
Tangie works as a bartender where various people drink. She chats with one customer about his drink choice, saying it indicates he's married, wants to get buzzed, and check on the possibility of any action. He confirms that, and we later see him back at her place. She pushes him onto the bed, his shirt is open, and she starts to undo his pants, but he says he only has $80. She's taken aback by that, asking if he thinks she's a hooker, and he states he's drunk. He then asks what kind of woman picks up a guy and brings him back to her place. She replies, "One who likes to f*ck."
Yasmine shows some cleavage.
Nyla goes to see Tangie, asking for $300 for a college application. Tangie sees through this, saying, "You've been f*cking," that she can see that in her face, and asks Nyla if she's pregnant. She says no, but Tangie asks that the guy didn't use a condom and that Nyla has to use one. Tangie then mentions remembering the first time she (Tangie) got pregnant, and then refers to getting an abortion. As Nyla leaves, she says she's not pregnant (but she is).
We see a head and shoulders view of Carl while he's shirtless.
Kelly talks to her husband about when she had sex and got her STD, but doesn't say any of that by name or detail anything explicit.
Juanita tries telling Frank she's not going to put up with his behavior anymore, but she succumbs to him kissing her on the lips, nuzzling her, and then disappearing down below the camera shot (with her standing), resulting in her heavy breathing, ecstasy on her face and her asking if he has any condoms.
About Bill, Tangie tells Yasmine, "He wants to f*ck you." Learning that Nyla lied to her about why she needed $300, Tangie says, "That little slut."
An abortionist tells Nyla to drop her bottoms (she does -- we don't see anything) and then to spread her legs for the procedure (again, nothing seen) once up on the table.
Back at her place for dinner, Bill stares up Yasmine's legs to her clothed butt in her dress. With her back turned to him, he starts unbuttoning and then removes his shirt, making her nervous, with him saying she knows why she invited him there. He then removes his pants (we see his bare butt) and then grabs Yasmine, pinning her on the floor, face down, which is how he rapes her (we see movement as that scene is intercut with an unrelated one).
We see miscellaneous cleavage at an opera.
In front of their kids, Beau asks Crystal, "You gonna be a whore all your life?" and tells her "You're just a damn whore," while he also tells their daughter, "Your mom's sick."
Donald tells Yasmine the pitfalls of making rape charges, such as that the woman wanted it. She then goes into a speech about such matters, bringing up a gang rape (we don't know if she's referring to herself, someone else, or just commenting in general). She talks about trying to keep your legs closed, something about while five guys "run a train on you," and something being like having two fists shoved up an "ass."
Alice grabs Tangie and pushes her back against a wall, while chasing Tangie's one-night stand (who's in just his briefs) out of her place. Alice then asks what's wrong with Tangie, letting all those men "crawl up inside you."
We see partial views of Tangie's bare breasts in her partially open robe.
Alice says that her father put his hands up her dress, and then gave her to a white man as a teen to produce attractive kids, unlike her who he said was ugly. She then learns that Tangie was also abused by that man.
Gilda talks to Tangie about the latter sleeping with all these men and thinking it's just sex. She then comments on them wanting nothing more than to lie between her thighs. When Tangie objects to all of that, Gilda says she (Gilda) used to be her (Tangie).
A guy returns to Tangie's place, but spots her adult sister across the way. He then asks if Nyla can join them. Tangie makes him leave, he gets mad, and she asks if he likes to "f*ck" little boys too, asking if her little "t*tties" make him think of that.
Juanita makes a comment about sitting with her legs open to give her crotch some sunlight.
As Tangie walks off in skintight pants, she says to Gilda who's behind her, "I can feel you looking at my ass, old lady."
Joanna confronts her husband and asks who he's been sleeping with. He's indignant and says he's slept with no women, so she then asks about men. He denies that, but she knows it's true and asks how he can marry a woman and then let some man bend him over. He defiantly says no one bends him over, so she sarcastically asks/states, "Oh, you bend them over?" He states he's not gay, but adds that he's a man who enjoys having sex with other men, saying it's just sex. From all of that, we learn that she contracted AIDS from him, and thus leaves him divorce papers and her wedding ring.
We see miscellaneous cleavage.
During a bout of speeches where metaphors are bantered about, Tangie talks of lying on a man and giving him her fleshy parts. Other related dialogue is present.

SMOKING: Beau smokes several times (and there's a full ashtray by him in one scene), while an abortionist smokes (and there's a fully ashtray near her).

TENSE FAMILY SCENES: Tangie isn't respectful of her mom when she comes asking for money left to Tangie by her grandfather or father to disperse to Alice. She also belittles her religion.
Joanna is upset with Carl taking $200,000 of her money and investing it without asking or telling her.
Kelly talks to her husband about when she had sex and got her STD, but doesn't say any of that by name or detail anything explicit.
Tangie laughs about Nyla being pregnant.
While intoxicated and wrongly jealous of Crystal, Beau wants to know who the man in the car is who drove her home (it's Joanna's driver, and she's also in the car, waiting for Crystal to retrieve some papers). He then starts roughing her up, with Gilda next door trying to distract their kids while sounds of violence come through the wall that moves from violent contact on the other side.
In front of their kids, Beau asks Crystal, "You gonna be a whore all your life?" and tells her "You're just a damn whore," while he also tells their daughter, "Your mom's sick."
Beau roughs up Crystal again, throwing her around. He then kicks out a window, grabs their kids, and dangles them by their wrists out the window, many stories above the sidewalk. Gilda rushes downstairs and out onto the street for help, while Crystal climbs over Beau's back to try to save her kids. But Beau lets go of them and they fall away, although we don't see the fatal impact below.
Alice grabs Tangie and pushes her back against a wall, while chasing Tangie's one-night stand (who's in just his briefs) out of her place. Alice then asks what's wrong with Tangie, letting all those men "crawl up inside you." That's followed by more struggling, with Tangie then slapping Alice.
Alice says that her father put his hands up her dress, and then gave her to a white man as a teen to produce attractive kids, unlike her who he said was ugly. She then learns that Tangie was also abused by that man.
Tangie tells her mom, "You don't know me." Alice responds, "I know you, you're the devil."
Alice manhandles Nyla, they struggle, and Nyla slaps Alice.
We see Crystal desperately trying to scrub her dead kids' blood (not really seen as the cement is wet with water) off the sidewalk where they died.
Crystal continues to grieve over her kids.
Joanna confronts her husband and asks who he's been sleeping with. He's indignant and says he's slept with no women, so she then asks about men. He denies that, but she knows it's true and asks how he can marry a woman and then let some man bend him over. He defiantly says no one bends him over, so she sarcastically asks/states, "Oh, you bend them over?" He states he's not gay, but adds that he's a man who enjoys having sex with other men, saying it's just sex. From all of that, we learn that she contracted AIDS from him, and thus leaves him divorce papers and her wedding ring.

TOPICS TO TALK ABOUT: Rape.
Abortion.
Losing one's virginity and the possibility of getting pregnant that first time.
Gilda informs Kelly that Beau hasn't been the same since returning from the war, that he drinks, and that he beats up Crystal.
We hear that Kelly's fallopian tubes are scarred (and thus preventing pregnancy) due to a past STD.
Alice appears to be a hoarder.
Frank repeatedly breaks Juanita's heart by moving out and then back in with her after going back to and then again leaving another woman.
Donald tells Yasmine the pitfalls of making rape charges, such as that the woman wanted it.
Yasmine stating that women relinquish all of their rights to men when they get involved with them.
Yasmine stating that the nature of rape has changed (meaning from that involving a stranger to the act being committed by someone you know).
We see Nyla in the hospital after her back alley abortion, presumably as a complication.
Alice states she was with Tangie when the latter had her abortion.
Alice says that her father put his hands up her dress, and then gave her to a white man as a teen to produce attractive kids, unlike her who he said was ugly. She then learns that Tangie was also abused by that man.
We see that Crystal has apparently tried to overdose (Gilda finds her, with pills by her on the floor). An ambulance then rushes her off to the hospital.
Said as a metaphor about women losing their identity to men, Juanita says that a man ran off with all of her "stuff."
Joanna confronts her husband and asks who he's been sleeping with. He's indignant and says he's slept with no women, so she then asks about men. He denies that, but she knows it's true and asks how he can marry a woman and then let some man bend him over. He defiantly says no one bends him over, so she sarcastically asks/states, "Oh, you bend them over?" He states he's not gay, but adds that he's a man who enjoys having sex with other men, saying it's just sex. From all of that, we learn that she contracted AIDS from him, and thus leaves him divorce papers and her wedding ring.

VIOLENCE: Beau isn't nice to Kelly when she comes to check on his and Crystal's kids, and knocks papers from her hands.
Gilda refers to a bruise under Crystal's "t*t" (not seen, and from abuse by Beau).
Beau tells Crystal to get him a drink, but she only brings him a glass of water. He then throws that against the wall, retrieves a bottle of booze, and then states that he isn't an alcoholic.
Back at her place for dinner, Bill stares up Yasmine's legs to her clothed butt in her dress. With her back turned to him, he starts unbuttoning and then removes his shirt, making her nervous, with him saying she knows why she invited him there. He then removes his pants (we see his bare butt) and then grabs Yasmine, pinning her on the floor, face down, which is how he rapes her (we see movement as that scene is intercut with an unrelated one).
While intoxicated and wrongly jealous of Crystal, Beau wants to know who the man in the car is who drove her home (it's Joanna's driver, and she's also in the car, waiting for Crystal to retrieve some papers). He then starts roughing her up, with Gilda next door trying to distract their kids while sounds of violence come through the wall that moves from violent contact on the other side.
Beau roughs up Crystal again, throwing her around. He then kicks out a window, grabs their kids, and dangles them by their wrists out the window, many stories above the sidewalk. Gilda rushes downstairs and out onto the street for help, while Crystal climbs over Beau's back to try to save her kids. But Beau lets go of them and they fall away, although we don't see the fatal impact below.
Alice grabs Tangie and pushes her back against a wall, while chasing Tangie's one-night stand (who's in just his briefs) out of her place. Alice then asks what's wrong with Tangie, letting all those men "crawl up inside you." That's followed by more struggling, with Tangie then slapping Alice.
Alice manhandles Nyla, they struggle, and Nyla slaps Alice.
Nyla slaps at Tangie's arms.
Yasmine learns that the man who raped her was killed by his latest victim. She goes in and looks at the corpse and then slaps the dead man's face.

Reviewed October 20, 2010 / Posted November 5, 2010

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