Please do "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner"...... Sidney Poitier, Katherine Hepburn, Spenser Tracy.... a wonderful look into the shifting tides of race relations. Ask your mother, it's BRILLIANT!
This is one of all-time favorite movies, as a biracial kid with a black mom, watching this movie when I was younger wrecked me, I was in tear telling my Moma " I would never treat you like that!" The ending is heartbreaking, Annie deserved better. thank you for your review.
This movie showed the chemistry between 2 ladies who became friends in spite of the color difference & how the raising of the kids was. I also liked the fact that Annie wanted the milkman to get a crisp $50 dollar bill for showing mercy during the times that they needed help & the fact that he was at the funeral ( the gentleman wearing the glasses) showed how much he respected Annie. Cant get thru this movie without crying.
the reason there are so many people at the funeral is because THEY ALL KNEW HER. She was BELOVED. She was well-known in her community. i love it when the father the kid's hat off. and I love the 4 white horses. The movie is very moving.
My daughter's skin is white and ppl thought I was babysitting her when she was small, I'm so grateful we don't live in those times back then anymore, I have watched his movie several times throughout my life and it's the only 1 that makes me cry everytime😊
The scene inside the hotel room with Sarah-Jane grudgingly allowing her mother to hug her one last time is what stomps on my heart and not the ending, 23:45 and onwards....Seeing Sarah-Jane fall to pieces in her mother's arms reminds me of the unconditional and selfless my mother's love was for me and my siblings. A huge lump in my throat and misty-eyed....
FUN FACTS: the woman singing at Annie's funeral is legendary gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. The actress, Susan Kohner, playing adult Sarah Jane is not a Black bi-racial woman. Susan is Mexican & Czech decent. During & after filming, the lead actress Lana Turner was dealing with the legal ramifications of her 15 yr old daughter killing her abusive boyfriend the year before.
Thanks for the FACTS! Yes, you can actually tell that the actress has LATINO BLOOD in those veins! :-D Look at her skin tone & features. She didn't appear to "look", Black & White, to me. I am multi-racial (My Mom is Black, My Dad is half Mexican & half White) I.e. I have a White (German) Grandmother & a Mexican Grandfather. My other Grandparents are African-American. I "identify" myself as African American, White German, and Mexican. I speak English, Deutsch, and Spanish fluently. Embracing WHO I am is so much FUN, and I LOVE the DIVERSITY! :-D
This channel continues to amaze me. Not only is Mello both funny and enthusiastic, he is willing to expand his horizons. Reacting to a Douglas Sirk movie is way ahead of the curve. Your mom did a good job.
She and Susan Kohner were both nominated. I think the honor is the nomination, not in winning. The winner always was and always will be whoever gets the most votes. An actor can vote for their favorite actor, even if they haven't seen the movie that the actor they're voting for was in.
This movie was my mother's favorite too. I remembered watching it with her & it was my first time seeing my mom crying. That's when I appreciated my mom more & I was about 10 years old. I have a 19 years old son who is mixed with white & black. He was confused then but now he has shown more appreciation to me to have a mom who is really there & more understanding. My baby boy is making me proud everyday. ❤🙏🏾
WOW!! One of my favorite classic movies. This was Universal Studios highest grossing movie until Jaws came out. Juanita Moore was a very good actress. Do In the Heat of the Night next. More classic movies please!😄😄👍👍❤️
Back in the day, it was considered courteous to observe and pay respects to a nearby funeral. Bystanders would typically stand in silence for solidarity.
Imitation of Life will forever be a classic. I have both copies of the original version and this 1959 version. I first saw this on TMC Cable channel when I was a kid with my Mimi. Every time I watch it, I cry at the end. Then the cameo of the iconic gospel singer Mahalia Jackson was amazing. I appreciate seeing a males perspective of the movie.
I can't believe I'm seeing someone do this movie. I have to say that again: I can't believe I'm seeing someone do this movie. WOW. Thanks, Mell's Mom!!!! I've seen this movie twice, and the most recent time was not long ago, so I'm REALLY excited you did this, because it's so fresh in my mind! Regarding the melodrama: those scenes are meant to be over the top, bordering on the ridiculous. Movies from this period (1959) actually WEREN'T usually in that melodramatic style, they were moving on from that, it's from an earlier period of the movies! In this movie, the melodrama is all about her cliche dreams of being a model and an actress, and her love life and her "problems". Meanwhile, look at what Annie is dealing with! That's not melodrama, that's REAL drama. Those scenes, we don't laugh at. Annie (played by Juanita Moore), her character is dealing with real life, and real problems. Lana Turner's is an imitation of life. It's the Annie story that's REALLY the "main" story.....the one we all care about, even though the movie seems to tell us (at first) that's the "secondary" story. And the Lana Turner story, which seems like the "main" story, is much more one-dimensional, and makes you roll your eyes, especially as the movie goes along. Totally intentional. You nailed it on the head. This poor woman was suffering the WHOLE movie, and everyone was wrapped up in their little "problems". The key line in this movie (for me, anyways) is when Annie says to the Lana Turner character, in response to her saying that she never knew Annie had all these problems: "You never asked". Oh man, your reaction at the end had me crying. :( Yeah, you're supposed to not "get" the movie right out of the gate. Everyone feels the same way. You start this movie and you don't know where it's going, or what the tone really is, which character to focus on. Totally intentional. It's all for the pay-offs later in the movie. This is actually a remake, the original is also excellent, it's from the 30s. It has a totally different style. In the early 2000s, an excellent movie that pays tribute to THIS movie (and director) came out: "Far From Heaven", with Julianne Moore (no relation to Juanita!) and Dennis Haysbert. I never even THOUGHT to recommend that movie for a reaction video, but that's definitely a related-movie, it has the same exact look and feel. Oscar-nominated, from this century, it's not an obscure movie, definitely worth seeing, whether or not you make a reaction video for it. THANK YOU FOR DOING THIS MOVIE!
Thank you Mello for reacting to Imitation of Life. A superior mello-drama! Both Juanita Moore (Annie) & Susan Kohner (grown up Sara-Jane) were nominated for Best Supporting Actress Oscars for 1959. So many of you reactors are reacting to the same small group of films (mostly made after 1975). It is refreshing to see you reacting to this older film. Hopefully, you'll realize many films from the twenties through the sixties are worth watching & worth your reaction on your channel. Many of your subscribers are much older than you & & would be very interested in seeing how you react to some of their favorite films. I've been subscribed to your channel for some time now, & this is my first time commenting. Again thank you for being cool enough to react to this some-what hyper-acted drama ( this is pretty tame- compared to Written On The Wind -- another Sirk-directed film).
There's an older version of this story, made in 1934 with Claudette Colbert and Louise Beavers. In this version, which is probably closer to the Fanny Hurst novel (I haven't read it yet), the white woman starts a waffle business based on the African American woman's recipe. The basic structure of the story, though, is the same, and you feel the same way about Beavers when when she dies. The older movie is smaller, starker, and, I feel, a little more honest in general. The daughter was played by Fredi Washington, who was a light-skinned African American actress. If I remember right, all the people at Annie's funeral knew her and loved her - I remember that in at least one of the versions, Annie had a whole life of charities and friendships that Lora knew nothing about. To my mind, all the people closest to Annie and to us in this story wasted their opportunity to really know and love this woman.
Let me add my vote for the earlier version. It is starker and, in many ways, harder to watch. Louise Beavers was a truly great actress when she had the right script and she had the right script in 1934. That is not to take away from Juanita Moore. Lana Turner, though certainly more than competent, was much more known for her beauty than for her acting. Claudette Colbert was legendary. Both versions, however, are well worth watching and both are like waves on the shore: building slowly until they crash on the shore at the end. I cry when I watch either one.
This is still one of my favorite movies. Being 64 years old, I guess I can understand more of the drama than a person 30 years younger. For anyone who hasn't seen it, it's a definite must see!
Response to why so many spectators outside of the church: Annie was telling Lora about her funeral arrangements. She stated she knew many people at the Baptists churches and that she was a member of many organizations. There was a full church and the overflow filled the streets. Sista Lady was well known and loved. Just watched the movie again. x3
Small neat fact Lana Turner's career had been threatened by a scandal involving the murder of her abusive lover at the hands of her daughter. The critical and commercial success of the film served as a comeback for her and happy you reacted to this film I never knew it existed.
The scene of the mother pretending to be her maid.and Sarah Jane mouthing Mama not to let her roommate hear had me bawling so loud years ago I scared my little dog. And Mahalia Jackson's singing has moved me to tears everytime. At the start you had a modern outlook but consider the guy's violent reaction, if a boy had tried to pass with a girl he might have been lynched.I played music with jazz and bluesmen born in 1910/1915 and they related ugly incidents to me and said "You read this stuff in books, but we lived It" In 1979 I walked into a bar with an African American girl who needed to go to the ladies and to my surprise she asked for directions instead. Outside she told me "You didn't catch the look on three of the guys, they didn't like us as a couple and I knew we better split" She had just been refused a job on Catalina Island with a blunt "We don't want your kind here!" I am 72 now so I Will not see the definitive end of this shit in my lifetime. My friend Gene Porter plays with Fats Waller in Stormy Weather, check it out, Lena Horne and Bill Robinson star in it. Enjoyed the evolution of your reaction!
My mother also loves this movie. It is her favorite from her youth. I imagine that she relates because she is very light-skinned and also was born blonde, while my maternal grandmother is dark-skinned. Mom is also light because her father was very light with blonde hair, and her maternal grandmother was Cherokee. My mother always embraced her Blackness, but she did tell me stories about people thinking that she was a White child whose nanny was my grandmother. Great job commenting on the film. It's nice to see a young Black man's perspective. By the way, I think you'll love The Last Dragon. Can't wait! 😁👍
I first saw this movie when I was a little girl. I am so glad I was raised around movies and got to see classics. It made me who I am today as well as parents who did not shelter me and I remember this movie hitting me really hard and was one of the movies I cried hardest to as a child. I did wind up losing my mother when I was 12 and so it remains a movie that makes me cry. My heart bled for that hard working and loving mother who just wanted her baby girl to be happy, loved and safe. In the end, the daughter could not get back the chance to give back that love to her mother or even get the chance to let her know she was loved and appreciated. Thanks for watching a classic. Another one from my childhood that my grandma showed me was The fighting Sullivans. I think what reactors do is a great thing. Keeping movies and music alive for the new generations. Thanks, Mell.
This movie is a movie that my grandma and I watched when i was small..always made me cry. A classic. R.I.P Grandma miss u. Everyone please stay safe and blessed much love from San Antonio
Juanita Moore (Annie) was nominated for an Oscar for this movie. Susan Kohner, who played Sarah Jane, was also nominated for an Oscar. Kohner retired from acting early on when she got married. She has two sons who are producers and directors. Lana Turner (Lora) was discovered in a malt shop in Hollywood when she was 16. Troy Donahue and Sandra Dee were both huge music stars of the time. That was the incomparable Mahalia Jackson singing at the funeral.
I'm so glad you reacted to this movie my mother died when I was 25yrd back 1996...and I was a MoMA's boy..and this was one of her fav movies and her my brother and myself would watch this when it would come when I was little..no cable back then so you just.have look for it when it came on and everytime the waite was worth..also alittle advice this was the 50s so everything was so innocent and naive back then and dramatic..and women and relationships was built on you got a boyfriend you dated got married the woman stays home and the men work..wonderful reaction..keep it up your color purple reaction is still #1..this is #2
Great movie. This was a remake. The original was made in 1934 with Claudette Colbert (Bea) and Louise Beavers (Delilah). I prefer that one over this one. Same basic story but different in what job Bea and Delilah had. You definitely should check that one out also. The ending always makes me cry. There are so many great older movies. Casablanca for one. The Apartment (Jack Lemon), The Cowboys (John Wayne) and Psycho (Janet Leigh).
I love your reaction. You would have to have no heart to not be emotionally connected. I am a Black woman born in 1964. My Mother was one of those Black women who could "pass". My father was in the Air Force so we were stationed in Savannah Georgia...in the mid 60's. My Mom tried to get on a bus.The driver told her that her and my older sister could come on but she couldn't take that Black baby. My Mother looked him in the eye and and told him that is MY child...I will walk. And she did. Lord knows I 🙏 I miss my Queen!😢
My mom watched this movie a lot when I was a child I never understood why she always cried, until I was old enough to really understand the movie. Now we are both crying together
Hey man, I think a classic you would really like is Good Morning Vietnam with Robin Williams. I haven't seen a single person on here do it yet, I thing of all the reactors I've seen you would really really like it. Just may need to do some edits since it is about a radio station so there is a bunch of music in it.
At that age you always want to blend in. It’s the main driver for self esteem is wanting to belong. But by puberty and her teen years she definitely should’ve grown out of it.
Finally some Douglas Sirk, react to other films from him like All That Heaven Allows, Written on The Wind, There’s Always Tomorrow,A Time to Love and a Time to Die,Magnificent Obsession, Lured, and All I Desire.
You have a modern view of healthcare. Back then, a lot of hospitals weren't available 24/7 and most were inaccessible to people of color. Also at that time, most pulmonary conditions were just considered impossible to cure; it was generally accepted to let it run its natural course. It's become part of our family lore that when my mom went into labor with my 2nd sister, while she was being wheeled up to the L&D ward, my dad ran around the parking lot, looking for a doctor. He found one, who was just coming from a banquet and was just getting his car. So my sister was delivered by an anesthesiologist wearing a crushed velvet tuxedo, standing on a stepstool. If my dad hadn't found him, the nurses would have had to hold my mom's legs together, until a doctor was available. That was only in 1968, so the concept of immediate attention by doctors is relatively new. Annie wouldn't have been had the access to the same type of care that Lora could get, even though she did offer it to her. Annie knew that they wouldn't have done much more for her, except waste her time.
Cj I am a 75 year old Afro-American woman who remembers very,very well when this movie was released.I was 11 or 12 years old when this movie was released.The old original "Imitation of Life"was released in 1934.We watch it & we always cry all the way through it.
The woman singing at the funeral is gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. This was set back when many people were still passing as white for an easier life. Back when racism could still apart if everyday life. That was the implied reason why Sahara Jane’s father left. He could more easily separate from a woman, but he might have found it difficult to separate from his child if he had met her. And with no way of knowing what color she would be, he didn’t take the chance. If he got attached to a child that didn’t look white he could never pass again. I believe that to be the implied backstory. She couldn’t or wouldn’t appreciate her mother, because color separated her from her father. Looking at photos and realizing how differently she is treated with and without her mother around as a child, made her believe color is what cost her her father. Aside from that she had a very ungrateful nature even with those that didn’t care about her race. Having the race hang up only magnified her ingratitude. As far as all the people at Annie Johnson’s funeral, those are the people she met throughout her life from church, the neighborhood, and running the house. Though I like both versions of this movie, this is the best one.
KLB Bravo! Your summation was very well crafted & on target. I was very moved by this movie when I saw this as a kid & I can see now how some aspects of film making have changed for the better. But the bigger picture here was all the serious messages that were being addressed at a time before the civil rights movement & there was still segregation in the south, and racism was acceptable even in Hollywood. Interracial marriage was even still illegal in some states - it really wasn't all that long ago. This movie was a standout at that time just for dealing with some of these more complex social issues.
I don’t know if you looked this up already but, the actress who played Annie lived a long time, & she died at age: 99 in 2014. The actress who played Adult Sarah Jane is the last surviving cast member, Susan Kohner. I just read that her sons produced the Americans Pie, twilight movies.
Thank you for doing this movie My grandmother introduced it to me. It broke my heart a few times. Rejecting your mother and regretting it is very powerful.
I watched this movie a lot growing up.. with my mom. Mahalia Jackson’s song at the end is still haunting.. she didn’t sing in many movies. Glad you enjoyed it.
This was about a being mixed during Jim crow times. Her parents were more than likely both mixed because they were born when a lot of black ppl were mixed through force.. she was so close to white she didn't want to go through the struggle. It was ingrained by society and she was so close she could taste it. That's why her mom was understanding. Those were the times and as a child she could only think so far. And at that time her feelings made sense.
This is one of my favorite movies of all time. When watching you have to keep in mind the time period and how blacks were treated. This was the only way Annie could get her and Sarah a good life. Laura was all about herself. I never cared for her character. Btw that was Mahalia Jackson singing at the funeral. There were alot of folks in the streets because it was such a spectacle (with the carriage and horses) and Annie was such a good person.. I hope your mom gives you more great films to review!
One of my favorite movies. I used to watch it with my mother from the time I was a teenager until she passed away. My mom had Alzheimer's and I was her caregiver, and during her final years when her memory was really bad, I could put the video of this movie in the VCR and she would watch it and recite many of the lines along with the actors. It was the reverse for me and my daughters...Their father is Puerto Rican with the dark skin, black hair and brown eyes and I am very fair skin with blue eyes and blonde hair...my oldest child (whom I had out of wedlock at 17) took after me. The 2 girls who were 2&3 yrs younger than him took after my husband. People thought he was my child and I was just babysitting my girls. Don't know if u have seen this movie before, but could I suggest "Something The Lord Made"...I think u would enjoy it.
When Mahalia Jackson sings at the funeral I lose it every time! Gorgeous voice. "Sybil" is a great movie. Try also "To Sir, With Love". Please, can you also react to "Enemy Mine". Thank you.
A kid whit good taste.They made soap operas similar to this movie.Never fell ashamed or pride from your skin color.Believe me this noone in this world would love you like your mother.
Wow! This was my mom's favorite movie, I was surprised to see that you chose it for a reaction, you may well be the only person to do so, it is a fantastic film even though it's a remake of a 1930s film, both of them are amazing, anyway thanks for doing a reaction to it.
This is an absolutely powerful movie. I saw this as a tiny kid and again as an adult and it always hits you in the heart. And to have the great Mahalia Jackson sing you home to glory…good Lord. Really beautiful. I really respect that you watched this at all, even more so that you watched it for your mom. Who has good taste, by the way. Do watch The Last Dragon and Sybil. Wildly different films, but both good.
Favorite part of your reaction: At least three different times..."Sarah Jane needs her ass whooped." (Dude finally whoops Sarah Jane's ass.) "Damn, that was so unnecessary!" 🤣🤣🤣
Hey buddy, I love your reaction videos, especially that you're happy to watch old classic films. You def a funny guy but also have no problems showing your emotions on screen, never be afraid or ashamed to do that as a man, that the problem these days that men feel the need to bottle their feelings up. Another classic film I think you'll enjoy is GUESS WHOS COMING TO DINNER from 1967, another groundbreaking film from it's time. 👍😎 Dan
Great movie. Back in the day, people didn't date very long before they got married. My parents only knew each other a few months before they got married.
The end of the movie got to me. My mom passed suddenly in 2014, and I was supposed to visit her on a Wednesday. We both weren’t feeling well, so I said I would come over on Friday. She died at 1am that Friday morning. I’ve been filled with regret that I didn’t go on that Wednesday, maybe I could have noticed something was off, or at the very least I would have seen her and talked to her one last time. I’d give almost anything to be able to talk to her again. The ending just brings me back to that…to her funeral, to watching the casket get lowered….all of it, so it just really broke me down.
I began watching this movie when I was a kid. My parents would let us stay up late to watch it. It is one of my favorite movies of all time. I cry every time I watch it.
The first time I watched this movie was with my grandmother and we both were in tears at the ending.another good classic movie to watch is the original Sparkle.
OMG.... How is out of many of those reactors I am subscribed to - you are the only one going over and beyond to find good movies of all genres and not just watching the same thing everyone else is watching... I swear if I see another of my favs. doing.... Arrrg, never mind - here for the show... Thank You...
I remember watching this when I was 13 years old I cried than and still when I watch it now .. here in this day and now .. I see it all the time😢. Be you !! And proud ❤
Cj Juanita,Susan,Lana & Sandra did a tremendous talented job in the movie.Also I want to point out that the first version (1934) was also remarkable w/ Claudette,Louuse,Fredi & Rochette playing very moving parts.
This movies changed my life and when I say changed my life I mean changed my life. My parents got divorced and it tore me apart bc as the only child u don’t know what to do. I was built with so much anger and sadness that I took it out on my mom cause my dad wasn’t in the picture anymore and I regret it but when you’re young and confused u don’t know what to do. I was in 4th or 5th grade when I saw this movie and I realized that my mom is the only parent I have knowing my dad is in Texas but never came. This movie taught me to be grateful and respect my mother and I love my mama very much that I’m gonna give her the world when I become something bc it’s a mothers job to make boys to men.
To see younger black people being so nonchalant about our struggles really upsets me. Glad you at least were able to show some SORT of compassion. This is coming from a GenXer. Millennials y’all need to grow up.
MellVerse Kudos to you for reacting to this important movie from back in the day. I was just a kid when I first saw this & it was a one of the movies that really impressed me because it wasn't just mindless song & dance style entertainment. Sure, the acting style is old fashioned, but the issues were serious & complex. Movie making became much more "real" in the 70's with themes, content, acting methods, etc. You did well to listen to your mom with this. There are many more older films I hope you check into. I won't bother you with suggestions yet, I already see a good many in the comments for you. Great job, keep it going! 👍👍👍
Dedicating This Video To My Mother...
Please Share And Like!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for reviewing this movie. I've asked a few reactors for it but no one has ever done it. THANK YOU!
Never seen this before; exceptional
Please do "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner"...... Sidney Poitier, Katherine Hepburn, Spenser Tracy.... a wonderful look into the shifting tides of race relations.
Ask your mother, it's BRILLIANT!
Everyone should love their mother, the giver of your very life!
This was my Mom's favorite movie.
Wow, this is the first time I have seen a person review this movie. This movie will get you emotional.
Guaranteed 5 Hankey movie.
A lesser known classic. Impressed to see this reviewed!
Every. Single. Time. I will never not cry at the end. 😭
You gotta watch the 1934 version of this movie.
My grandmother used to love this movie I never knew that a person would break this movie down but this is interesting
When she grabs the casket and is calling her mother that is epic
This is one of all-time favorite movies, as a biracial kid with a black mom, watching this movie when I was younger wrecked me, I was in tear telling my Moma " I would never treat you like that!" The ending is heartbreaking, Annie deserved better. thank you for your review.
This movie showed the chemistry between 2 ladies who became friends in spite of the color difference & how the raising of the kids was. I also liked the fact that Annie wanted the milkman to get a crisp $50 dollar bill for showing mercy during the times that they needed help & the fact that he was at the funeral ( the gentleman wearing the glasses) showed how much he respected Annie. Cant get thru this movie without crying.
the reason there are so many people at the funeral is because THEY ALL KNEW HER. She was BELOVED. She was well-known in her community.
i love it when the father the kid's hat off. and I love the 4 white horses.
The movie is very moving.
the quality of a movie is not related to how I feel. I'm not that egocentrist.
My daughter's skin is white and ppl thought I was babysitting her when she was small, I'm so grateful we don't live in those times back then anymore, I have watched his movie several times throughout my life and it's the only 1 that makes me cry everytime😊
The scene inside the hotel room with Sarah-Jane grudgingly allowing her mother to hug her one last time is what stomps on my heart and not the ending, 23:45 and onwards....Seeing Sarah-Jane fall to pieces in her mother's arms reminds me of the unconditional and selfless my mother's love was for me and my siblings. A huge lump in my throat and misty-eyed....
FUN FACTS: the woman singing at Annie's funeral is legendary gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. The actress, Susan Kohner, playing adult Sarah Jane is not a Black bi-racial woman. Susan is Mexican & Czech decent. During & after filming, the lead actress Lana Turner was dealing with the legal ramifications of her 15 yr old daughter killing her abusive boyfriend the year before.
Thanks for the FACTS! Yes, you can actually tell that the actress has LATINO BLOOD in those veins! :-D Look at her skin tone & features. She didn't appear to "look", Black & White, to me.
I am multi-racial (My Mom is Black, My Dad is half Mexican & half White) I.e. I have a White (German) Grandmother & a Mexican Grandfather. My other Grandparents are African-American.
I "identify" myself as African American, White German, and Mexican. I speak English, Deutsch, and Spanish fluently. Embracing WHO I am is so much FUN, and I LOVE the DIVERSITY! :-D
The 1930s original version actually cast a light skinned black woman as the daughter. Fredi Washington.
InOpinion Wisdom, Fredi Washington is Black. Both her parents were half Black and European, no Hispanic blood, as far as I know.
J. R. , you are referring to the 1950s remake, not the original version that casted a light skinned black woman.
@@inmyopinionwisdom4986 That is beautiful
This channel continues to amaze me. Not only is Mello both funny and enthusiastic, he is willing to expand his horizons. Reacting to a Douglas Sirk movie is way ahead of the curve. Your mom did a good job.
Mahalia Jackson singing at the end, The greatest Gospel singer ever.
Holy cow! One of my favorite classic movies. As a mixed race person this movie resonated with me when I first saw it.
Please keep doing classic movies! They don’t get as much appreciation as they deserve.
They get plenty of appreciation.
@@randywhite3947 Not in reaction channels.
When I saw that you reacted to this movie, my first thought was “that ending…oh boy 😥”.
The mother really loves her daughter no matter what
ANNIE spent the whole movie losing her daughter and it was slowly killing her
She loves her daughter so much that she thought she was a burden to her own daughter because she was black that is crazy
Crazy and a sad reality. It wasn't uncommon for people to decide to pass for white at the time.
*she hates herself so much, that she was unable to see their plight as anything but natural
@@sinplemistakesthat's, especially back then. Passing was a way to get ahead.
Juanita Moore’s portrayal was Oscar worthy.
She and Susan Kohner were both nominated. I think the honor is the nomination, not in winning. The winner always was and always will be whoever gets the most votes. An actor can vote for their favorite actor, even if they haven't seen the movie that the actor they're voting for was in.
This movie was my mother's favorite too. I remembered watching it with her & it was my first time seeing my mom crying. That's when I appreciated my mom more & I was about 10 years old. I have a 19 years old son who is mixed with white & black. He was confused then but now he has shown more appreciation to me to have a mom who is really there & more understanding. My baby boy is making me proud everyday. ❤🙏🏾
"Your bones...they're perfect."
I half expected him to go "I must have them..."
LOL!
7 husband's did......
This has been one of my favorite movies for many years. I cry at the end, every time.
*hugs* you cry for all the right reasons. :')
A great story about life and friendship. And Mahalia Jackson singing at Annie's funeral...
WOW!! One of my favorite classic movies. This was Universal Studios highest grossing movie until Jaws came out. Juanita Moore was a very good actress. Do In the Heat of the Night next. More classic movies please!😄😄👍👍❤️
Back in the day, it was considered courteous to observe and pay respects to a nearby funeral. Bystanders would typically stand in silence for solidarity.
Imitation of Life will forever be a classic. I have both copies of the original version and this 1959 version. I first saw this on TMC Cable channel when I was a kid with my Mimi. Every time I watch it, I cry at the end. Then the cameo of the iconic gospel singer Mahalia Jackson was amazing. I appreciate seeing a males perspective of the movie.
This was completely unexpected 😮 this is my moms favorite movie. I made my boyfriend watch he was hella mad at the end 😂😂😂
I can't believe I'm seeing someone do this movie. I have to say that again: I can't believe I'm seeing someone do this movie. WOW. Thanks, Mell's Mom!!!! I've seen this movie twice, and the most recent time was not long ago, so I'm REALLY excited you did this, because it's so fresh in my mind!
Regarding the melodrama: those scenes are meant to be over the top, bordering on the ridiculous. Movies from this period (1959) actually WEREN'T usually in that melodramatic style, they were moving on from that, it's from an earlier period of the movies! In this movie, the melodrama is all about her cliche dreams of being a model and an actress, and her love life and her "problems". Meanwhile, look at what Annie is dealing with! That's not melodrama, that's REAL drama. Those scenes, we don't laugh at. Annie (played by Juanita Moore), her character is dealing with real life, and real problems. Lana Turner's is an imitation of life. It's the Annie story that's REALLY the "main" story.....the one we all care about, even though the movie seems to tell us (at first) that's the "secondary" story. And the Lana Turner story, which seems like the "main" story, is much more one-dimensional, and makes you roll your eyes, especially as the movie goes along. Totally intentional.
You nailed it on the head. This poor woman was suffering the WHOLE movie, and everyone was wrapped up in their little "problems". The key line in this movie (for me, anyways) is when Annie says to the Lana Turner character, in response to her saying that she never knew Annie had all these problems: "You never asked".
Oh man, your reaction at the end had me crying. :( Yeah, you're supposed to not "get" the movie right out of the gate. Everyone feels the same way. You start this movie and you don't know where it's going, or what the tone really is, which character to focus on. Totally intentional. It's all for the pay-offs later in the movie.
This is actually a remake, the original is also excellent, it's from the 30s. It has a totally different style. In the early 2000s, an excellent movie that pays tribute to THIS movie (and director) came out: "Far From Heaven", with Julianne Moore (no relation to Juanita!) and Dennis Haysbert. I never even THOUGHT to recommend that movie for a reaction video, but that's definitely a related-movie, it has the same exact look and feel. Oscar-nominated, from this century, it's not an obscure movie, definitely worth seeing, whether or not you make a reaction video for it.
THANK YOU FOR DOING THIS MOVIE!
Thank you Mello for reacting to Imitation of Life. A superior mello-drama! Both Juanita Moore (Annie) & Susan Kohner (grown up Sara-Jane) were nominated for Best Supporting Actress Oscars for 1959. So many of you reactors are reacting to the same small group of films (mostly made after 1975). It is refreshing to see you reacting to this older film. Hopefully, you'll realize many films from the twenties through the sixties are worth watching & worth your reaction on your channel. Many of your subscribers are much older than you & & would be very interested in seeing how you react to some of their favorite films. I've been subscribed to your channel for some time now, & this is my first time commenting. Again thank you for being cool enough to react to this some-what hyper-acted drama ( this is pretty tame- compared to Written On The Wind -- another Sirk-directed film).
I think I have seen this movie 100 times, I even own the DVD. I literally cry every single time at the end.
Maybe not 100, but I've certainly watched it 2 dozen times over the years, first on The Late Show on TV, then on VHS, now on Turner Classics.
I highly recommend FRIED GREEN TOMATOES
Or Steal Magnolias if you haven’t seen it!! Cried like a baby!!!
YES! the tears will flow like a waterfall with that ending😭😭
Both movies turn your eyes into Niagara Falls. :'(
That and The Color Purple make me cry something awful!
Yes LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER! 🤣 I have been asking that you react to The Last Dragon for a minute.
Every time I hear the phrase, "Listen to your Mother!" I think about "It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World."
Yes!! I love that movie!
10:53 Fun fact. That guy in the sweater is the "old man" from Robocop. The guy who was the chief executive of OCP. Dan O'Herlihy.
There's an older version of this story, made in 1934 with Claudette Colbert and Louise Beavers. In this version, which is probably closer to the Fanny Hurst novel (I haven't read it yet), the white woman starts a waffle business based on the African American woman's recipe. The basic structure of the story, though, is the same, and you feel the same way about Beavers when when she dies. The older movie is smaller, starker, and, I feel, a little more honest in general. The daughter was played by Fredi Washington, who was a light-skinned African American actress.
If I remember right, all the people at Annie's funeral knew her and loved her - I remember that in at least one of the versions, Annie had a whole life of charities and friendships that Lora knew nothing about. To my mind, all the people closest to Annie and to us in this story wasted their opportunity to really know and love this woman.
I actually like the earlier version better.
Same. I prefer the earlier version.
Let me add my vote for the earlier version. It is starker and, in many ways, harder to watch. Louise Beavers was a truly great actress when she had the right script and she had the right script in 1934. That is not to take away from Juanita Moore. Lana Turner, though certainly more than competent, was much more known for her beauty than for her acting. Claudette Colbert was legendary. Both versions, however, are well worth watching and both are like waves on the shore: building slowly until they crash on the shore at the end. I cry when I watch either one.
I like this version much better than the first version of imitation of Life
One of my favorite classic movies of all time. And I am sooo appreciative that it introduced me to the music a Mahalia Jackson!!!
This was a mom movie for me too. RIP Mom
This is still one of my favorite movies. Being 64 years old, I guess I can understand more of the drama than a person 30 years younger. For anyone who hasn't seen it, it's a definite must see!
Response to why so many spectators outside of the church: Annie was telling Lora about her funeral arrangements. She stated she knew many people at the Baptists churches and that she was a member of many organizations. There was a full church and the overflow filled the streets. Sista Lady was well known and loved. Just watched the movie again. x3
Small neat fact Lana Turner's career had been threatened by a scandal involving the murder of her abusive lover at the hands of her daughter. The critical and commercial success of the film served as a comeback for her and happy you reacted to this film I never knew it existed.
The scene of the mother pretending to be her maid.and
Sarah Jane mouthing Mama not to let her roommate hear had me bawling so loud years
ago I scared my little dog. And
Mahalia Jackson's singing has moved me to tears everytime.
At the start you had a modern
outlook but consider the guy's
violent reaction, if a boy had
tried to pass with a girl he might have been lynched.I played music with jazz and bluesmen born in 1910/1915
and they related ugly incidents
to me and said "You read this
stuff in books, but we lived It"
In 1979 I walked into a bar with an African American girl
who needed to go to the ladies
and to my surprise she asked
for directions instead. Outside
she told me "You didn't catch
the look on three of the guys,
they didn't like us as a couple
and I knew we better split"
She had just been refused a
job on Catalina Island with a
blunt "We don't want your kind
here!" I am 72 now so I Will not
see the definitive end of this shit in my lifetime. My friend
Gene Porter plays with Fats
Waller in Stormy Weather, check it out, Lena Horne and
Bill Robinson star in it. Enjoyed
the evolution of your reaction!
@ruggerobell.... Wow!
My mother also loves this movie. It is her favorite from her youth. I imagine that she relates because she is very light-skinned and also was born blonde, while my maternal grandmother is dark-skinned. Mom is also light because her father was very light with blonde hair, and her maternal grandmother was Cherokee. My mother always embraced her Blackness, but she did tell me stories about people thinking that she was a White child whose nanny was my grandmother. Great job commenting on the film. It's nice to see a young Black man's perspective.
By the way, I think you'll love The Last Dragon. Can't wait! 😁👍
"How do you explain to your child she was born to be hurt"- realist line about race I've ever heard
I first saw this movie when I was a little girl. I am so glad I was raised around movies and got to see classics. It made me who I am today as well as parents who did not shelter me and I remember this movie hitting me really hard and was one of the movies I cried hardest to as a child. I did wind up losing my mother when I was 12 and so it remains a movie that makes me cry. My heart bled for that hard working and loving mother who just wanted her baby girl to be happy, loved and safe. In the end, the daughter could not get back the chance to give back that love to her mother or even get the chance to let her know she was loved and appreciated. Thanks for watching a classic. Another one from my childhood that my grandma showed me was The fighting Sullivans. I think what reactors do is a great thing. Keeping movies and music alive for the new generations. Thanks, Mell.
This movie is a movie that my grandma and I watched when i was small..always made me cry. A classic. R.I.P Grandma miss u. Everyone please stay safe and blessed much love from San Antonio
Juanita Moore (Annie) was nominated for an Oscar for this movie. Susan Kohner, who played Sarah Jane, was also nominated for an Oscar. Kohner retired from acting early on when she got married. She has two sons who are producers and directors.
Lana Turner (Lora) was discovered in a malt shop in Hollywood when she was 16.
Troy Donahue and Sandra Dee were both huge music stars of the time.
That was the incomparable Mahalia Jackson singing at the funeral.
I'm so glad you reacted to this movie my mother died when I was 25yrd back 1996...and I was a MoMA's boy..and this was one of her fav movies and her my brother and myself would watch this when it would come when I was little..no cable back then so you just.have look for it when it came on and everytime the waite was worth..also alittle advice this was the 50s so everything was so innocent and naive back then and dramatic..and women and relationships was built on you got a boyfriend you dated got married the woman stays home and the men work..wonderful reaction..keep it up your color purple reaction is still #1..this is #2
All those people outside the church were not being nosy, they all knew Annie. Great movie.
Great movie. This was a remake. The original was made in 1934 with Claudette Colbert (Bea) and Louise Beavers (Delilah). I prefer that one over this one. Same basic story but different in what job Bea and Delilah had. You definitely should check that one out also. The ending always makes me cry. There are so many great older movies. Casablanca for one. The Apartment (Jack Lemon), The Cowboys (John Wayne) and Psycho (Janet Leigh).
Mahalia Jackson always brings a tear to my eye with her too-brief appearance and always-AMAZING performances!
I would love to see you react to Sidney Poitier in "In the Heat of the Night".
I would love to see him react to Sidney Poitier in ANYTHING!! That man has a great catalog of films to watch.
“Acme Modeling Agency? Now she’s modeling for Loony Tunes?” Best line in a reaction EVER 😂😂
😂
I love your reaction. You would have to have no heart to not be emotionally connected. I am a Black woman born in 1964. My Mother was one of those Black women who could "pass". My father was in the Air Force so we were stationed in Savannah Georgia...in the mid 60's.
My Mom tried to get on a bus.The driver told her that her and my older sister could come on but she couldn't take that Black baby. My Mother looked him in the eye and and told him that is MY child...I will walk. And she did. Lord knows I 🙏 I miss my Queen!😢
My mom watched this movie a lot when I was a child I never understood why she always cried, until I was old enough to really understand the movie. Now we are both crying together
The ending scene makes everyone cry and think about their mother.
If you haven't seen "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner", that's a film worth checking out. 👌
The original of course.
Sidney Poitier. Nuff said.
That movie has not aged well.
No, that's not a movie worth checking out.
"Clark Kent on vacation" 🤣🤣 Super review! Instant Subscription. #favouritemovies 👍🏾
Hey man, I think a classic you would really like is Good Morning Vietnam with Robin Williams. I haven't seen a single person on here do it yet, I thing of all the reactors I've seen you would really really like it. Just may need to do some edits since it is about a radio station so there is a bunch of music in it.
This one is a masterpiece, great pick!
At that age you always want to blend in. It’s the main driver for self esteem is wanting to belong. But by puberty and her teen years she definitely should’ve grown out of it.
She should have grown out of it but some people can't handle it no matter what age they are
Finally some Douglas Sirk, react to other films from him like All That Heaven Allows, Written on The Wind, There’s Always Tomorrow,A Time to Love and a Time to Die,Magnificent Obsession, Lured, and All I Desire.
And Stella Dallas. Another one that this reminds me of.(Though not Douglas Sirk)
A time to love and a time to die is an excellent and the most underrated film I've seen!.
You have a modern view of healthcare. Back then, a lot of hospitals weren't available 24/7 and most were inaccessible to people of color. Also at that time, most pulmonary conditions were just considered impossible to cure; it was generally accepted to let it run its natural course.
It's become part of our family lore that when my mom went into labor with my 2nd sister, while she was being wheeled up to the L&D ward, my dad ran around the parking lot, looking for a doctor. He found one, who was just coming from a banquet and was just getting his car. So my sister was delivered by an anesthesiologist wearing a crushed velvet tuxedo, standing on a stepstool. If my dad hadn't found him, the nurses would have had to hold my mom's legs together, until a doctor was available. That was only in 1968, so the concept of immediate attention by doctors is relatively new.
Annie wouldn't have been had the access to the same type of care that Lora could get, even though she did offer it to her. Annie knew that they wouldn't have done much more for her, except waste her time.
🤣 Your reaction to Sarah Jane was mine the first time I saw this movie.
Cj I am a 75 year old Afro-American woman who remembers very,very well when this movie was released.I was 11 or 12 years old when this movie was released.The old original "Imitation of Life"was released in 1934.We watch it & we always cry all the way through it.
The woman singing at the funeral is gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. This was set back when many people were still passing as white for an easier life. Back when racism could still apart if everyday life. That was the implied reason why Sahara Jane’s father left. He could more easily separate from a woman, but he might have found it difficult to separate from his child if he had met her. And with no way of knowing what color she would be, he didn’t take the chance. If he got attached to a child that didn’t look white he could never pass again. I believe that to be the implied backstory. She couldn’t or wouldn’t appreciate her mother, because color separated her from her father. Looking at photos and realizing how differently she is treated with and without her mother around as a child, made her believe color is what cost her her father. Aside from that she had a very ungrateful nature even with those that didn’t care about her race. Having the race hang up only magnified her ingratitude. As far as all the people at Annie Johnson’s funeral, those are the people she met throughout her life from church, the neighborhood, and running the house. Though I like both versions of this movie, this is the best one.
KLB Bravo! Your summation was very well crafted & on target. I was very moved by this movie when I saw this as a kid & I can see now how some aspects of film making have changed for the better. But the bigger picture here was all the serious messages that were being addressed at a time before the civil rights movement & there was still segregation in the south, and racism was acceptable even in Hollywood. Interracial marriage was even still illegal in some states - it really wasn't all that long ago. This movie was a standout at that time just for dealing with some of these more complex social issues.
I don’t know if you looked this up already but, the actress who played Annie lived a long time, & she died at age: 99 in 2014. The actress who played Adult Sarah Jane is the last surviving cast member, Susan Kohner. I just read that her sons produced the Americans Pie, twilight movies.
Thank you for doing this movie
My grandmother introduced it to me. It broke my heart a few times. Rejecting your mother and regretting it is very powerful.
I watched this movie a lot growing up.. with my mom. Mahalia Jackson’s song at the end is still haunting.. she didn’t sing in many movies. Glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you @mellverse, Imitation of Life is one of my moms all time favorite movies too. It's hard not to cry at the end of this movie.
This was about a being mixed during Jim crow times. Her parents were more than likely both mixed because they were born when a lot of black ppl were mixed through force.. she was so close to white she didn't want to go through the struggle. It was ingrained by society and she was so close she could taste it. That's why her mom was understanding. Those were the times and as a child she could only think so far. And at that time her feelings made sense.
The 1934 version with Claudette Colbert and Louise Beavers is amazing.
I liked it, but I loved this one more.
My Grandmother & mother’s favorite movie. Break out the Kleenex
This is one of my favorite movies of all time. When watching you have to keep in mind the time period and how blacks were treated. This was the only way Annie could get her and Sarah a good life. Laura was all about herself. I never cared for her character. Btw that was Mahalia Jackson singing at the funeral. There were alot of folks in the streets because it was such a spectacle (with the carriage and horses) and Annie was such a good person.. I hope your mom gives you more great films to review!
One of my favorite movies. I used to watch it with my mother from the time I was a teenager until she passed away. My mom had Alzheimer's and I was her caregiver, and during her final years when her memory was really bad, I could put the video of this movie in the VCR and she would watch it and recite many of the lines along with the actors.
It was the reverse for me and my daughters...Their father is Puerto Rican with the dark skin, black hair and brown eyes and I am very fair skin with blue eyes and blonde hair...my oldest child (whom I had out of wedlock at 17) took after me. The 2 girls who were 2&3 yrs younger than him took after my husband. People thought he was my child and I was just babysitting my girls.
Don't know if u have seen this movie before, but could I suggest "Something The Lord Made"...I think u would enjoy it.
When Mahalia Jackson sings at the funeral I lose it every time! Gorgeous voice.
"Sybil" is a great movie.
Try also "To Sir, With Love".
Please, can you also react to "Enemy Mine". Thank you.
I'll second every one of these movies...great choices.
A kid whit good taste.They made soap operas similar to this movie.Never fell ashamed or pride from your skin color.Believe me this noone in this world would love you like your mother.
Wow! This was my mom's favorite movie, I was surprised to see that you chose it for a reaction, you may well be the only person to do so, it is a fantastic film even though it's a remake of a 1930s film, both of them are amazing, anyway thanks for doing a reaction to it.
This is an absolutely powerful movie. I saw this as a tiny kid and again as an adult and it always hits you in the heart. And to have the great Mahalia Jackson sing you home to glory…good Lord. Really beautiful. I really respect that you watched this at all, even more so that you watched it for your mom. Who has good taste, by the way. Do watch The Last Dragon and Sybil. Wildly different films, but both good.
Favorite part of your reaction: At least three different times..."Sarah Jane needs her ass whooped." (Dude finally whoops Sarah Jane's ass.) "Damn, that was so unnecessary!" 🤣🤣🤣
💯 😂😂😂
Hey buddy, I love your reaction videos, especially that you're happy to watch old classic films. You def a funny guy but also have no problems showing your emotions on screen, never be afraid or ashamed to do that as a man, that the problem these days that men feel the need to bottle their feelings up.
Another classic film I think you'll enjoy is GUESS WHOS COMING TO DINNER from 1967, another groundbreaking film from it's time.
👍😎
Dan
In the Heat of the Night is a must too. Hell, any Sidney Poitier movie.👍😄
Great movie. Back in the day, people didn't date very long before they got married. My parents only knew each other a few months before they got married.
The end of the movie got to me. My mom passed suddenly in 2014, and I was supposed to visit her on a Wednesday. We both weren’t feeling well, so I said I would come over on Friday. She died at 1am that Friday morning. I’ve been filled with regret that I didn’t go on that Wednesday, maybe I could have noticed something was off, or at the very least I would have seen her and talked to her one last time. I’d give almost anything to be able to talk to her again. The ending just brings me back to that…to her funeral, to watching the casket get lowered….all of it, so it just really broke me down.
You're awesome I cried like a punk when I first watched it
12:21 Loved that outfit since I saw this as a kid. A lot of Classic Hollywood outfits were bad ass!!!
I began watching this movie when I was a kid. My parents would let us stay up late to watch it. It is one of my favorite movies of all time. I cry every time I watch it.
I BOOHOO cried when my grandma showed this to me at 17. Not to mention, my mother was sick and passed away the next year.
The first time I watched this movie was with my grandmother and we both were in tears at the ending.another good classic movie to watch is the original Sparkle.
OMG.... How is out of many of those reactors I am subscribed to - you are the only one going over and beyond to find good movies of all genres and not just watching the same thing everyone else is watching... I swear if I see another of my favs. doing.... Arrrg, never mind - here for the show... Thank You...
You getting deep now fam! Lovin' it!
I remember watching this when I was 13 years old I cried than and still when I watch it now .. here in this day and now .. I see it all the time😢. Be you !! And proud ❤
“Band Of Angels” is really good too. Great story line.
Is that Yvonne di Carlo?
@@corvus1374 yes, with Clark Gable and Sidney Poitier.
Cj Juanita,Susan,Lana & Sandra did a tremendous talented job in the movie.Also I want to point out that the first version (1934) was also remarkable w/ Claudette,Louuse,Fredi & Rochette playing very moving parts.
This is one of those movies that if I run across it I just can't watching it. Such good performances.
This movies changed my life and when I say changed my life I mean changed my life. My parents got divorced and it tore me apart bc as the only child u don’t know what to do. I was built with so much anger and sadness that I took it out on my mom cause my dad wasn’t in the picture anymore and I regret it but when you’re young and confused u don’t know what to do. I was in 4th or 5th grade when I saw this movie and I realized that my mom is the only parent I have knowing my dad is in Texas but never came. This movie taught me to be grateful and respect my mother and I love my mama very much that I’m gonna give her the world when I become something bc it’s a mothers job to make boys to men.
This was my mother's favorite movie.. Thank you for reacting to it. And the LAST DRAGON IS SHO NUFF one you need to watch!!
To see younger black people being so nonchalant about our struggles really upsets me. Glad you at least were able to show some SORT of compassion. This is coming from a GenXer. Millennials y’all need to grow up.
I love this movie...that goes without saying. But I'm new and I love it here! I love your commentary it is so on point and I'm here for it🥰
Her mother must have thinking, I hope my baby becomes an actress, I hope she has an amazing life, and I hope she becomes famous !
Everytime I watch this movie, someone starts cutting onions.
I used to watch this with my grandma when I was a kid in the 70s. Great movie!
One of the greatest Classic Movies I've ever seen in my life it reminds me of my mother when she passed
Just wanted to tell you, man, you got a great reaction channel going on here, certainly one of the best there is.
MellVerse Kudos to you for reacting to this important movie from back in the day. I was just a kid when I first saw this & it was a one of the movies that really impressed me because it wasn't just mindless song & dance style entertainment. Sure, the acting style is old fashioned, but the issues were serious & complex. Movie making became much more "real" in the 70's with themes, content, acting methods, etc.
You did well to listen to your mom with this. There are many more older films I hope you check into. I won't bother you with suggestions yet, I already see a good many in the comments for you. Great job, keep it going! 👍👍👍