Storyline: Aspiring actress Lora Meredith meets Annie Johnson, a homeless Black woman at Coney Island, and soon they share a tiny apartment. Each woman has an intolerable daughter. However, Annie’s little girl Sarah Jane is by far the worst. Neurotic and obnoxious, Sarah Jane doesn’t like being Black; since she’s light-skinned (her father was practically white), she spends the rest of the film trying to pass as white, much to her mother’s heartache and shame. Lora, meanwhile, virtually ignores her own daughter in a single-minded quest for stardom.

    This storyline was not taken from last nights news but instead a movie that turned sixty four years old this year.  Imitation of Life, starring Lana Turner, Juanita Moore, Sandra Dee, and John Gavin, is just as relevant in 2023 as it was when released in 1959.

    The many topics tackled in the film include struggling with identity, racism, independence, and strong women.  The film doesn’t hold back either. It takes a stance on each subject and backs up each stance with strong scenes and stronger characters. The plot is a little to simple but that works well in favor of making its points.  

    These reasons are why I put this powerful movie on my list of films one must see before they die.

    Until next time I will see you at the movies!