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Native Son (1986)

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Average Rating: 6/10
Reviews Counted: 9
Fresh: 5 | Rotten: 4

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Average Rating: N/A
Critic Reviews: 4
Fresh: 1 | Rotten: 3

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Average Rating: 3.3/5
User Ratings: 111

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Movie Info

Previously filmed in Argentina in 1951, black author Richard Wright's powerful race-conscious novel Native Son was remade in this barely released 1986 version. The story involves Bigger Thomas (Victor Love), an angry Depression-era Chicago black who hopes to elevate himself through his chauffeur's job with a prosperous white Gold Coast family. The family's daughter (Elizabeth McGovern) takes advantage of Bigger's servile status by ordering him to drive her to a rendezvous with her

PG, 1 hr. 51 min.

Drama

Directed By: Jerrold Freedman

In Theaters: Dec 12, 1986 Wide

Live Home Video

Native Son Trailer & Photos

Cast

Carroll Baker
Mrs. Dalton
Akosua Busia
Bessie
Matt Dillon
Jan
Art Evans
Doc
John Karlen
Max
Victor Love
Bigger Thomas
Elizabeth McGovern
Mary Dalton
John McMartin
Mr. Dalton
Geraldine Page
Peggy
Willard E. Pugh
Gus
David Rasche
Buckley
Lane Smith
Britton
Oprah Winfrey
Mrs. Thomas
Arell Blanton
White Man #3
William Boyett
Reporter #3
Chuck Hicks
White Man #4
John Otrin
Reporter #1
Ving Rhames
Jack
George D. Wallace
Judge
Richard Wesley
Bartender
Adam Gregor
Reporter #2

Critic Reviews for Native Son

All Critics (9) | Top Critics (4) | Fresh (5) | Rotten (4)

The film makers haven't listened to Wright. They appear to have been aiming at the same genteel audience that insists on seeing something sentimental and upbeat even in a television movie-of-the-week about AIDS.

May 20, 2003 Full Review Source: New York Times

| Comment

Vincent Canby

New York Times

Top Critic

Transforms the novel into an all-too-genteel crime story, denuded of rage, devoid of social and historic context.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: Washington Post

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Richard Harrington

Washington Post

Top Critic

Unfortunately, drama translates as melodrama and speechy, preachy dialogue tells us we're watching something that's good for us.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: Washington Post

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Rita Kempley

Washington Post

Top Critic

The movie understands that the story really is about the killer's point of view. It is not the story of a crime, not a docudrama, not a sociological essay.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: Chicago Sun-Times

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

Top Critic

Ultimately, the film fails because of Silver's fears of offending the audience, the same fear that Wright himself faced and overcame.

August 20, 2010 Full Review Source: TV Guide's Movie Guide

| Comment

TV Guide's Movie Guide

Well-intended but deadly dull

January 11, 2004 Comment

James Sanford

Kalamazoo Gazette

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Audience Reviews for Native Son

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My opinion of this movie is somewhat biased because it is my favorite book. The way in which the movie is covered does not do the book justice. I, in many ways prefer the version of the film that features Richard Wright himself.

June 9, 2009

RASHIDA S

Okay, the two worst parts of this movie -- the fact that the cut down Books 2 and 3 into 20 minutes. Book 3 had the most interesting character development, insight, and interactions, but they showed NONE OF IT. Because of this, the pacing was awful and it made this film seem like a waste of time. The second worst part

April 4, 2009

Allegra F

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