Is Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes / Feeling Heart Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes / Feeling Heart, a standout production of 2017, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Documentary landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into On March 11, 1959, Lorraine Hansberry’s 'A Raisin in the Sun' opened on Broadway and changed the face of American theater forever. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "On March 11, 1959, Lorraine Hansberry’s 'A Raisin in the Sun' opened on Broadway and changed the face of American theater forever. As the first-ever black woman to author a play performed on Broadway, she did not shy away from richly drawn characters and unprecedented subject matter. The play attracted record crowds and earned the coveted top prize from the New York Drama Critics’ Circle. While the play is seen as a groundbreaking work of art, the timely story of Hansberry’s life is far less known."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. While the script occasionally leans into familiar territory, the efforts of LaTanya Richardson Jackson ensure that the emotional beats of Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes / Feeling Heart always land with sufficient weight. LaTanya Richardson Jackson provides a steady, reliable performance that anchors the film through its narrative shifts.

The direction by Tracy Heather Strain is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 118 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes / Feeling Heart truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 6.2/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes / Feeling Heart explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Tracy Heather Strain respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes / Feeling Heart serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of LaTanya Richardson Jackson or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes / Feeling Heart is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.