I recently watched Aaron Loves Angela (1975) on Tubi. The story follows a young Black man trying to survive on the streets of New York, who meets a beautiful Puerto Rican girl and falls in love. As their families and the streets put pressure on their relationship, they must decide if leaving New York is their only chance to stay together.
This film, written and directed by Gordon Parks Jr. (Super Fly), stars Moses Gunn (Shaft), Kevin Hooks (Innerspace), Irene Cara (Fame), and Robert Hooks (Passenger 57).
The movie feels incredibly authentic in its portrayal of characters, dialogue, and circumstances. It's as though you're following a true story. The characters are easy to root for, and the situations are both realistic and perfectly executed. The settings, costumes, and performances all blend seamlessly. This is the kind of film where you find yourself hoping for a happy ending, but with so much stacked against the main characters, you remain in suspense until the very end.
In conclusion, Aaron Loves Angela is a well-written character piece with relatable characters and situations. I'd rate it 8/10 and strongly recommend it.
