I was in undergrad when this movie was released. I remember everyone thought I was weird because I thought Darius and Nina’s relationship was dysfunctional. I always maintained that they weren’t honest with one another. Nina had no business going out with Hollywood and she should have just told Darius that she was back and had a conversation with him about seeing him out with Angela. I also thought Darius was better at huge gestures than he was at actually having a relationship.
Darius was a creep to me starting off! 🤷🏾♀️😅He got her address from the check at the record store & just decided to pop up at her place. He said he got the number too but didn’t call first. Smh! Then wanted to come in once he got there. That’s a no go for me personally. Don’t come popping up at my place sir! 🙅🏾♀️ I didn’t find that romantic.
Please do one on Baby boy please I would love to know what you think about the main character and his relationship with his mother LOL and how people can deal with partners with a strong attachment to their mother.
I don't believe that it's toxic but I do agree with you about them not being honest and upfront about their true feelings towards one another. It is exhausting, but once they learn how to be open and more vulnerable especially with Darius I believe that they will be good. They both have a lot of similarities which made them connect with one another.
You have such insight into what a toxic relationships is. I find myself wondering where’s the line between being someone who has some small flaws and makes mistakes versus being just toxic.
This is my absolute favorite movie!!! I honestly never thought of the dynamics like this bc I always saw it as one masterpiece of work. But you’re right. They had a lot going on. There are many people who behave in the same way.
First, LOVE that you're reacting to a movie!!! Second, I'm like you and have never seen this movie (at least in it's entirety). Thirdly, I'm very shocked that you didn't consider them toxic however I understand your logic. You definitely made me rethink the word "toxic" and how it can be misused. Really makes me want to work on my emotional maturity. All in all...another great video, StephAnya! Keep them coming!
I agree w your synopsis 100%! When I watched this movie years ago I left feeling very frustrated and disappointed w how many games were played between these 2. I love your synopsis vids! Keep ‘em coming🙏🏽
Loved this! Love you! You always hit all the good points! When I used to watch this when I was younger I always saw it as a beautiful black romance. Re-watching as an adult had me like, what was I thinking?! Lol I definitely thought they were toxic at first but I’ve learned that we tend to use a lot of words loosely these days (toxic, depressed, narcissist etc) so I take that back. I don’t think they were a toxic couple, but they had very poor communication skills especially regarding how they really felt with each other which is why they kept making up and breaking up the whole movie.
I learnt so much from your definition of toxic, I think a better word for their relationship was unsustainable. I also feel that their hesitation to be vulnerable was strengthened by their relationship with their friends, or at least how they perceived their own friends. I watched the movie because I saw you made this video. I am really glad I did because it was way more insightful than reading a rather abstract text on relationships. Thank you!
This was really good! I’m glad you finally watched it 😂 I would love to see a breakdown of “Beyond the Lights”. I think there’s an interesting dynamic between the two leads and some of the supporting characters as well. A review of the four ladies from Girlfriends in different contexts (romantic/platonic relationships) would be interesting too! I know that that’s a series, so only if you’ve seen it ☺️
I watched this movie when it came out in 1997,at the Magic Johnson Theater in Atlanta. I get it,they BOTH should have been honest with each other from the jump,but then you would have no movie. Just like the two lovers in,”Breakfast At Tiffany’s”. In the end,isn’t it about the journey that made us love,”LoveJones”,anyway…
I definitely think it’s a little toxic, Darius was a bit of a creep in the beginning, but she left him to get back w/ her ex and she started “dating” his freneny that would’ve been a wrap for me. I had to do some searching but I found out they were supposed to be in their 20s and that made things make a little more sense, lbs. The chemistry is crazy though & it somehow still feels like a feel good love story
Thank you for breaking down one of my favorite Black romantic movies EVER! I don’t know if you’re planning on doing a breakdown of the Insecure series but it would be a good one to do.
Thank you for sharing your insight and analysis! Would you be able to do a video more on how to effectively communicate in the moment or rebuilding trust? I have difficulties communicating well while heated or emotional and find myself having to come back after a few hours to better discuss the thoughts I've collected, but by then, some damage has already been done in my actions of saying or doing regretful/hurtful things.
I watched it with my boyfriend and we both were shocked at how it all went down. I was low key side eyeing him, daring him to agree with the foolishness 🤣
Love Jones is one of my favorite movies but even watching there are those moments of frustration around why are they acting so immature?! Loved your breakdown!
Idk I feel like Nina started that game when she tried to test him first. I would've expressed myself but if I heard something like that, it tells me that her considering moving with the ex to be what she wants to do most. So I get his response bc it's scary to dig a little deeper when she could say, "Well he's my first love." Or something.
Hey Girl! Im absolutely loving your channel!! New subscriber here and currently binging on your vids!! Would you consider doing a video on long distance relationships!! Me and my partner are currently doing long distance after living together for 3.5years and it has been so difficult! Love from Australia!!
Yes please!!! I’m also a new subscriber to your page and I’m currently in a long distance relationship. I watched your video on emotional building and so far we’re on the right track😊. Thank you for considering
Confession: since watching your "guilty pleasures" video , I've been inspired to watch keeping up with the Kardashians, and have already watched a few seasons. I would honestly loooove a video where you go into their family dynamics and personalities and such.
My dream analysis! 😂 You’re a real one for not only watching that video but instead of judging me actually watching the show. Thanks for sharing that ♥️
@@StephAnya Confession #2: The Kardahians show is considered a 🔥🤮. Now it's clear why your dream analysis became the "guilty pleasure"... No judgment here. (Not 🤣 at you, 🙃 with you) ❣
Loved this, I was hoping that you would have spoken about the initial 'love bombing' and disregard of personal privacy when he got ninas address and went to her house. Is this cute or a bit obsessive? Also one of her first things she tells him is that he should quick smoking... then when they are together she adopts this bad habit, could this be codependency issues in her attempt to be close to him as she feels pushed away? or is it normal to take these things on. I have experienced similar situations and had questions the relevance of this in relationships. But I love the movie lol and love your analysis of it too... Thank you.
I really enjoyed this! I guess I should check this film out myself now that I'm older. I think I saw a little bit when I was a kid but my parents said I couldn't watch it 😂
I like this analysis. I too thought the relationship dynamic was more about maturity and lowering down defense mechanisms. Nina and Darius’s emotional defenses were high (Darius more so with the way he moved around after Nina went to NYC). I’m not a fan of “testing” partners. Another problem I had with the NYC inquiry scene is not accepting a variety of reactions he could have. Granted - that was with an ex. But what if it was anyone else? One of my worst relationship nightmares is being pinned down after a status confirmation/upgrade. There probably are signs where you can avoid that (and I’ll check out your other videos to learn more!) but I’ve heard too many stories where partners are good at hiding “supportive up to a point”. Thankfully Love Jones is not an example of this.
Miss maam I think you forgot that they were young, in love be and hot for each other. Anyone who has been in that spot will play things out like love Jones. The idea is to grow together and course correct as long as you choose each other. And to me that's y I love this movie, they choose each other even when their egos got in the way.
I just saw this film and he was so toxic. I felt that Nina deserved better. She gave the dude three chances and he kept acting like a dog the whole film. It's weird how people say this is the "best black romance" when there was barely any intimacy.
That's a good one, with the dynamic there being the couple growing up together as friends and dating in the young adult years, then separating because one didn't feel that they were good enough for the other. Then reuniting as adults.
Honesty was indeed a problem, in the beginning. They Played it too "Kool" as usual, wirh Urban couples, which left Way too many doors open. I would NOT call this Toxic. They just had to Grow, from this, and figure out, their egos, were just getting in the way.....
Great Review & Effective Tools Offered 😊 The difficulty with benefiting from such tools is that they _require_ Self Awareness, first and foremost, before one can even begin to be honest with themselves & then with a partner. Self Awareness is a critical factor, that when absent, greatly impedes probability for what is healing & healthy. Do you have a video or have any advice to help those who need guidance to develop better Self Awareness & an ability to face truth honestly within themselves? Many unfortunately, develop more masks & coping mechanisms, due to lack/ deficiency of these foundational elements.
I love and own this movie. I don’t think their relationship was toxic either. However, it seemed they never were ever to have the difficult convos like the issue with Wood. Darius seemed immediately defensive whenever something difficult came up. Also, Nina should NOT have gone out with Wood. I also found out that at the time, Larenz Tate (my bday twin) was only 21, which is why he seemed so corny to me. Also, they didn’t seem to have much friend overlap. Did Darius ever meet her friend like she hung out with his crew? I digress… This was a great video and now I want to watch it. If you are up to other forms of media, I would love if you would review An American Marriage by Tayari Jones…
Ok what I don’t understand, is why no one is saying that she should not have went to NY in the first place? 🤷🏽♀️ I do understand the part about considering your partner’s feelings. What I’ve learned is that such things are a testament to personal character. I would not have went. I remember those days of doing things considering a partner, now I can consider what matters to me and what doesn’t, whether I’m in a relationship or not.
I don't think she should have gone either. I think the movie did a good job of showing that if you are not true to yourself in how you are presently feeling in a relationship, you will let under currents from the past creep in. You start looking for justification elsewhere.
New to your chanel. And loved this reaction can you please react to Gypsy. On netflix i love that show and is worth a look just saying. Lol let me know what you think😊
You hadn’t seen it?!?!? I’m always super surprised when I hear of a black person over 25 who hasn’t it 😂😂 but great video!
I know haha. There are so many classics that I haven’t seen!
@@StephAnya so what you’re saying is… maybe we can get the Love & Basketball video next 👀
@@WilliamsPinch I've seen that one several times! I can add it to the list. I've always been more of a Brown Sugar girl.
@@StephAnya “when did you first fall in love with Hip Hop” 😂 we’ll take whatever black classics you wanna dissect!
I just watched it the first time 3 weeks ago when it released on Netflix. I'm 32 so yeah its possible
I was in undergrad when this movie was released. I remember everyone thought I was weird because I thought Darius and Nina’s relationship was dysfunctional. I always maintained that they weren’t honest with one another. Nina had no business going out with Hollywood and she should have just told Darius that she was back and had a conversation with him about seeing him out with Angela. I also thought Darius was better at huge gestures than he was at actually having a relationship.
Great observations, and you are right about their "situationship" being dysfunctional.
Nailed it
Darius was a creep to me starting off! 🤷🏾♀️😅He got her address from the check at the record store & just decided to pop up at her place. He said he got the number too but didn’t call first. Smh! Then wanted to come in once he got there. That’s a no go for me personally. Don’t come popping up at my place sir! 🙅🏾♀️ I didn’t find that romantic.
That’s facts! Haha
I know..... but he was so fine though 😄
Exactly! Let the average brother thats NOT Larenz Tate try that b.s. nd see wut happens😂
Please do one on Baby boy please I would love to know what you think about the main character and his relationship with his mother LOL and how people can deal with partners with a strong attachment to their mother.
Oooo that's a great angle! Adding it to the list.
I cannot wait. I'm going to put my notification on now!❤😍@@StephAnya
Yesssssssss!!!
As a teen, I loved this movie for the mess. As an adult, I was rolling my eyes and deep sighing 😂 They were so insufferable!
The movie is a classic... Loved this. Really appreciate how you give some consideration before just labeling a relationship toxic💛
Thank you! Yeah, I feel like “toxic” is so overused
I don't believe that it's toxic but I do agree with you about them not being honest and upfront about their true feelings towards one another. It is exhausting, but once they learn how to be open and more vulnerable especially with Darius I believe that they will be good. They both have a lot of similarities which made them connect with one another.
I agree!
You have such insight into what a toxic relationships is. I find myself wondering where’s the line between being someone who has some small flaws and makes mistakes versus being just toxic.
This is my absolute favorite movie!!! I honestly never thought of the dynamics like this bc I always saw it as one masterpiece of work. But you’re right. They had a lot going on. There are many people who behave in the same way.
First, LOVE that you're reacting to a movie!!! Second, I'm like you and have never seen this movie (at least in it's entirety). Thirdly, I'm very shocked that you didn't consider them toxic however I understand your logic. You definitely made me rethink the word "toxic" and how it can be misused. Really makes me want to work on my emotional maturity. All in all...another great video, StephAnya! Keep them coming!
It’s definitely open for discussion! So glad that you enjoyed it.
LOVE IT!!! Can you please do one on the movie Love and Basketball?
Got it!
Yes! Please!
I agree w your synopsis 100%! When I watched this movie years ago I left feeling very frustrated and disappointed w how many games were played between these 2. I love your synopsis vids! Keep ‘em coming🙏🏽
Loved this! Love you! You always hit all the good points! When I used to watch this when I was younger I always saw it as a beautiful black romance. Re-watching as an adult had me like, what was I thinking?! Lol I definitely thought they were toxic at first but I’ve learned that we tend to use a lot of words loosely these days (toxic, depressed, narcissist etc) so I take that back. I don’t think they were a toxic couple, but they had very poor communication skills especially regarding how they really felt with each other which is why they kept making up and breaking up the whole movie.
I learnt so much from your definition of toxic, I think a better word for their relationship was unsustainable. I also feel that their hesitation to be vulnerable was strengthened by their relationship with their friends, or at least how they perceived their own friends. I watched the movie because I saw you made this video. I am really glad I did because it was way more insightful than reading a rather abstract text on relationships. Thank you!
This was really good! I’m glad you finally watched it 😂
I would love to see a breakdown of “Beyond the Lights”. I think there’s an interesting dynamic between the two leads and some of the supporting characters as well.
A review of the four ladies from Girlfriends in different contexts (romantic/platonic relationships) would be interesting too! I know that that’s a series, so only if you’ve seen it ☺️
I’ve never heard of Beyond The Lights! I’ll look that up. I’ve seen all of girlfriends. They’re a mess haha
@@StephAnya Beyond the Lights is a good one. Definitely worth checking out!
I watched this movie when it came out in 1997,at the Magic Johnson Theater in Atlanta. I get it,they BOTH should have been honest with each other from the jump,but then you would have no movie. Just like the two lovers in,”Breakfast At Tiffany’s”. In the end,isn’t it about the journey that made us love,”LoveJones”,anyway…
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I definitely think it’s a little toxic, Darius was a bit of a creep in the beginning, but she left him to get back w/ her ex and she started “dating” his freneny that would’ve been a wrap for me. I had to do some searching but I found out they were supposed to be in their 20s and that made things make a little more sense, lbs. The chemistry is crazy though & it somehow still feels like a feel good love story
14:22 - 15:55 thank you for redefining the word toxic, it gets thrown around a lot :)
Yes...I miss you..glad you back and keep doing these.
🥺 awww thank you so much. I’ve missed you all too
@@StephAnya 😍😍😍
Thank you for breaking down one of my favorite Black romantic movies EVER! I don’t know if you’re planning on doing a breakdown of the Insecure series but it would be a good one to do.
Thank you for sharing your insight and analysis! Would you be able to do a video more on how to effectively communicate in the moment or rebuilding trust? I have difficulties communicating well while heated or emotional and find myself having to come back after a few hours to better discuss the thoughts I've collected, but by then, some damage has already been done in my actions of saying or doing regretful/hurtful things.
I watched it with my boyfriend and we both were shocked at how it all went down. I was low key side eyeing him, daring him to agree with the foolishness 🤣
👀😂
You betta come on here Therapist Stephanie and break 👏🏾this 👏🏾classic👏🏾 down👏🏾🗣😄 #bravo👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾😌
Love Jones is one of my favorite movies but even watching there are those moments of frustration around why are they acting so immature?! Loved your breakdown!
Idk I feel like Nina started that game when she tried to test him first. I would've expressed myself but if I heard something like that, it tells me that her considering moving with the ex to be what she wants to do most. So I get his response bc it's scary to dig a little deeper when she could say, "Well he's my first love." Or something.
Hey Girl! Im absolutely loving your channel!! New subscriber here and currently binging on your vids!! Would you consider doing a video on long distance relationships!! Me and my partner are currently doing long distance after living together for 3.5years and it has been so difficult! Love from Australia!!
Hi!! That’s a great idea! I’ll add it to my list. Thank you!
Yes please!!! I’m also a new subscriber to your page and I’m currently in a long distance relationship. I watched your video on emotional building and so far we’re on the right track😊. Thank you for considering
This was a good watch, informative and entertaining 🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️❤️
So glad that you enjoyed it!
Confession: since watching your "guilty pleasures" video , I've been inspired to watch keeping up with the Kardashians, and have already watched a few seasons. I would honestly loooove a video where you go into their family dynamics and personalities and such.
My dream analysis! 😂 You’re a real one for not only watching that video but instead of judging me actually watching the show. Thanks for sharing that ♥️
@@StephAnya Confession #2: The Kardahians show is considered a 🔥🤮. Now it's clear why your dream analysis became the "guilty pleasure"... No judgment here. (Not 🤣 at you, 🙃 with you) ❣
Please do love & basketball next! Their relationship was a hot mess in my opinion 😭
It really was
Now that relationship was definitely toxic. He truly made her feel like she did something wrong and she struggled with that for years.
This video was so interesting and I loved it. I would be interested on your take of The Best Man. That would be a good movie to analyze!
Loved this, I was hoping that you would have spoken about the initial 'love bombing' and disregard of personal privacy when he got ninas address and went to her house. Is this cute or a bit obsessive?
Also one of her first things she tells him is that he should quick smoking... then when they are together she adopts this bad habit, could this be codependency issues in her attempt to be close to him as she feels pushed away? or is it normal to take these things on. I have experienced similar situations and had questions the relevance of this in relationships.
But I love the movie lol and love your analysis of it too... Thank you.
I really enjoyed this! I guess I should check this film out myself now that I'm older. I think I saw a little bit when I was a kid but my parents said I couldn't watch it 😂
😂😂 Yeah I missed out on a lot of stuff honestly
Again, such great insights! Thank you so much! I'd love to see a video on Love & Basketball and Brown Sugar!
You should definitely make more analysis videos of movies or shows, I'd watch them all :)
Great analysis
I like this analysis. I too thought the relationship dynamic was more about maturity and lowering down defense mechanisms. Nina and Darius’s emotional defenses were high (Darius more so with the way he moved around after Nina went to NYC).
I’m not a fan of “testing” partners. Another problem I had with the NYC inquiry scene is not accepting a variety of reactions he could have. Granted - that was with an ex. But what if it was anyone else? One of my worst relationship nightmares is being pinned down after a status confirmation/upgrade. There probably are signs where you can avoid that (and I’ll check out your other videos to learn more!) but I’ve heard too many stories where partners are good at hiding “supportive up to a point”. Thankfully Love Jones is not an example of this.
I would like to see a breakdown of Love and Basketball ❤🏀
Miss maam I think you forgot that they were young, in love be and hot for each other. Anyone who has been in that spot will play things out like love Jones. The idea is to grow together and course correct as long as you choose each other. And to me that's y I love this movie, they choose each other even when their egos got in the way.
I just saw this film and he was so toxic. I felt that Nina deserved better. She gave the dude three chances and he kept acting like a dog the whole film. It's weird how people say this is the "best black romance" when there was barely any intimacy.
I'm not a fan of romcoms generally, but I really like Always Be My Maybe. Can you please analyze that movie?
Got it!
That's a good one, with the dynamic there being the couple growing up together as friends and dating in the young adult years, then separating because one didn't feel that they were good enough for the other. Then reuniting as adults.
Honesty was
indeed a problem, in the beginning. They Played it too "Kool" as usual, wirh Urban couples, which left Way too many doors open. I would NOT call this Toxic. They just had to Grow, from this, and figure out, their egos, were just getting in the way.....
Great Review & Effective Tools Offered 😊 The difficulty with benefiting from such tools is that they _require_ Self Awareness, first and foremost, before one can even begin to be honest with themselves & then with a partner. Self Awareness is a critical factor, that when absent, greatly impedes probability for what is healing & healthy. Do you have a video or have any advice to help those who need guidance to develop better Self Awareness & an ability to face truth honestly within themselves? Many unfortunately, develop more masks & coping mechanisms, due to lack/ deficiency of these foundational elements.
I love and own this movie. I don’t think their relationship was toxic either. However, it seemed they never were ever to have the difficult convos like the issue with Wood. Darius seemed immediately defensive whenever something difficult came up. Also, Nina should NOT have gone out with Wood. I also found out that at the time, Larenz Tate (my bday twin) was only 21, which is why he seemed so corny to me. Also, they didn’t seem to have much friend overlap. Did Darius ever meet her friend like she hung out with his crew? I digress… This was a great video and now I want to watch it.
If you are up to other forms of media, I would love if you would review An American Marriage by Tayari Jones…
Ok what I don’t understand, is why no one is saying that she should not have went to NY in the first place? 🤷🏽♀️ I do understand the part about considering your partner’s feelings. What I’ve learned is that such things are a testament to personal character.
I would not have went.
I remember those days of doing things considering a partner, now I can consider what matters to me and what doesn’t, whether I’m in a relationship or not.
I don't think she should have gone either. I think the movie did a good job of showing that if you are not true to yourself in how you are presently feeling in a relationship, you will let under currents from the past creep in. You start looking for justification elsewhere.
for the algorithm
🤗
Yep spot on!, LOL... one of my favorite movies...
Could
You comment on the friend who was married?! I would
Love to hear your opinion
Please do marriage boot camp hip hop edition
Can you do love and basketball?
Do Guardians of the galaxy 3 next
U hadn't seen the movie😳🤯*clutching my pearls* gurrlll Love Jones is the Bible of black romance cinema🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
New to your chanel. And loved this reaction can you please react to Gypsy. On netflix i love that show and is worth a look just saying. Lol let me know what you think😊
I enjoy your channel. New Subbie ☺️
You hadn't seen LoveJones?
I just saw it last night.
You are talking about me? I’m Darius
Please do Sex Life! 🙏🏽 I’m really interested to hear your take on it! 👀
I’ve been hearing a lot about that! Definitely adding it to the list. Thank you!
this is exactly why you should never take relationship advice from a woman. this lady hasn't a clue, wow.