Analysis Of The Film A Raisin In The Sun

Various books, play rights, and other written works have been adapted into movies. In 2008, the domestic tragedy play originally performed in 1959, A Raisin in the Sun was produced into a made for TV movie. Within the play the family of the Youngers face many life challenges and struggles that were prominent in the 1950’s for African American families. The struggles and outcomes of each situation are well portrayed and bound to teach valuable lessons to those who view this movie. The film A Raisin in the Sun should be a staple in the Junior English curriculum because of its profound acting in each scene, and for the real life examples it shows. Quality of acting is a major factor in whether a movie makes an impact upon its viewers. Audiences

A Raisin in the Sun has very profound acting. In a New York Times article, by Ginia Bellafante, addressing the film the author acknowledges that: “There are no mediocre performances here” (Bellafante). One scene where this type of acting is prominent is in the scene where Walter Younger, played by Sean Combs, is about to do business with the “Welcoming Committee”. Combs does a very good job at using his whole body to express the emotions that are supposed to be felt within the scene. He uses very distinct actions and movements in his body and facial features, acurately portraying the emotions the character is feeling. The emotions shown allow the audience to make connections to the scene and feel for what the characters are feeling. This opens up a new level of understanding for the students of the purpose of the material being shown. A second example of profound acting is exempted by Sanaa

These struggles vary from person to person. In A Raisin in the Sun there are many examples of different struggles and life lessons that pair with these struggles. The first life lesson that A Raisin in the Sun targets is that family comes first. Throughout the whole film each character has a moment of separation from the family, however each of them always comes back for the greater good. An example of this is when Ruth, played by Audra McDonald, decides that it would be best for the family if she had an abortion. McDonald goes to where the procedure is supposed to take place but ends up having a change of heart as shown across her face, when she rushes back home to her family. This scene shows that even in hard times, and with an emotional detachment from the family, Ruth still knew that she was not doing the right thing and decided to go back to the family as a whole. A second lesson taught by this, is that doing the right thing by your loved ones is more important than money. This lesson is also shown in the scene where Walter is doing business with the “Welcoming Committee” in front of his son, wife, mother and sister. Walter has confessed that he is going to complete the deal before the scene opens, however once it takes off Walter has a change of heart and decides to put his family first. This sets a good example for his son, and shows his other