User reviews

I agree with Kevin Costner's opinion that it is a story that needed to be told. I commend him for believing in the story line so strongly that he chose to financially back the film I liked the movie, and the character portrayals.

I did not think it was in any way one sided, or racially charged. I enjoyed the realistic portrayal of diversity and found the young girl in question to be both adorable and believable in her role.

Supporting cast members did a great job, especially Kevin C. (but he's so cute, I just like to watch him) :). I really enjoyed it.

Thank you.

funny, brilliant, honest script and actors who pull off both harshness and sympathy. special mention to Anthony Mackie, though I know all the critics will give a lion's share of praise to Octavia Spencer and Kevin Costner. Mackie (aka the Falcon) delivers a powerful, resonating speech that simply must be heard. the judge was awesome too, absolutely spot on.

i saw this with my mother at the Toronto Intl Film Festival Elgin Winter Garden Theatre. the room was packed, and the crowd was mixed not just racially but generational too. this is truly a universal film despite its title.

i highly highly recommend this film to everyone.

"This isn't about black and white, it's about right and wrong." Elliot (Costner) has just lost his wife and is grieving the only way he can, by drinking. Him and his wife have been raising their granddaughter since she was born, but when her other grandmother Rowena (Spencer) wants custody things get ugly. Elliot must now fight to keep his granddaughter while struggling to put his life back together. I was very much looking forward to watching this movie. I am a huge Kevin Costner fan and the subject hit close to home with me. I have to say that I was not disappointed in this at all, and in some ways it was actually better than I was hoping it would be. The movie is emotional and will make you cry, think and get mad, sometimes all at once. This is really a movie I could just keep going on and on about but that would do the movie a disservice. All I will say about this is that this is a definite must see movie that shows off some of the best acting work Costner has ever done. I really highly recommend this movie. I easily give this a high A-.

Black or white, nobody's perfect and the movie does a good job portraying that. Kevin Costner plays Elliot Andersen, the grandfather of a Eloise Andersen who he's been raising with his wife since the day she was born, but when he's wife passes suddenly, her Grandma Rowena does not feel Elliot is capable of taken care of the child alone, epically when the death of his wife brings out what she considers his drinking problem, so she gets her little brother, a lawyer to take legal action.

The movie seems to work as a vehicle to freely say the things that I think need to be said about race in this country. We live in a world were we can be so politically correct that it does nothing to actually solve the problem, but sweep it under the rug, and this movie is not about that.

But that's superficial for selling the movie to the audience. Black or White would work equally if everyone in the movie were black or white. It's a real story about a blended family were the child is unable to be cared for by the parents and the village has to step in.

This movie is about love, as sappy as it sounds. No one is perfect, but if you love someone enough, the right thing can be done for their benefit. this statement goes for anyone no matter if they are black or white.

Black or White does work for the court room scenes however. It was like watching two different countries use an political agenda to take control of an island they both wanted. To watch Grandpa Elliot do nothing but show love for his Eloise, after his wife's death and attempt to keep it all together for her, then watch him be attacked in the court for being too white to take care of a black child was painful.

Yeah, I would definitely recommend this movie to see, I'm glad Costner was able to get it made.

From the title and the way the film was marketed, you'd get the impression that this is a movie about a custody dispute that all boils down to race. Well, this plays only the tiniest part in a film and is instead a film where there are lots of gray areas...and the custody situation is NOT black or white (metaphorically speaking).

When the film begins, Elliot (Kevin Costner) is at the hospital, as his wife just died. It's not just going to effect him, however, as he and his wife was the caretakers for their granddaughter, Eloise. However, although it's always clear that Elliot loves her, he's also got a drinking problem...though it does not appear to impair his ability to care for the child...at least at the present.

Soon, Eloise's Grandmother (Octavia Spencer) has filed for custody of the child. Much of this might have been avoided if Elliot had allowed the other side of the family (the black side) to see the girl. He, however, is angry at them as Eloise's father is a crack- head and the father's family is in denial about his current drug use or ability to care for the child. He's a mess, and clearly he should NOT care for any child...let alone a pet! But, the rest of the family seems to possibly be able to care for Eloise...but they've got to get over the Grandmother's fantasies about her son and his addiction. How does all this work out? See the film.

Overall, I enjoyed this film but must strongly point out that it is NOT strictly a film about race. Instead, it shows how both sides of the family care but are really screwed up...and it's up to the judge to determine what's best. I appreciated this and enjoyed the film. My only reservation is the last 10 minutes or so of the movie...it didn't seem all too realistic in many ways. So, I am recommending it but think it does, in some ways, miss the mark. Well worth seeing.

Black or White tells the story of Elliot Anderson, a grieving widow who must take care of his granddaughter, Eloise, after losing his daughter as well. Once Eloise's African American grandmother, Rowena comes into the picture, all hell breaks loose as a bitter custody battle ensues. Directed by Mike Binder, Black or White stars Kevin Costner, Octavia Spencer, Bill Burr, and Anthony Mackie. The film contains a pair of excellent performances but doesn't truly capitalize on the idea the film wants to get across. Kevin Costner is absolutely amazing as Elliott, a white grandfather to Eloise and soon-to-be alcoholic. What Costner does is introduce some one sided occurrences regarding race relations but thats as far as it goes. Black or White plays it very safe in telling this story when in all actuality it just needs a bit more honesty. The film is an entertaining drama and does hold your attention but it also proves that Mike Binder may not have had a total grasp of this film's real story. This is a story about Eloise and seeing this through her eyes. Binder never allows us to sink into Eloise's character and this makes for a very one sided film at times for both blacks and whites because Eloise is a supporting character and the lead is Kevin Costner. One thing that is extremely frustrating is the idea that Binder needed to include a black male character as a junkie and being untrustworthy. While yes, there are plenty of these people of ALL races, it feels like Binder was really trying to say something else here. Having Eloise's father be a black crackhead that has trouble staying clean is a bit of a clichè in terms of racism and I'm not quite sure why Binder chose to portray that character like that. There's plenty other things Eloise's father could have been and a crackhead should not have been one of them. Octavia Spencer gives another great performance as Rowena but Binder feels so obsessed with painting her as a cold and, at times, villainous character that is willing to go to the lowest depths to get Eloise to be released into her custody. Despite these moments that shift her character's intentions, Rowena just wants to be a grandmother and Elliott just wants to be a grandfather. The film's conclusion also seemed a bit too tied up because anyone who knows anything about custody battles knows that the fight continues outside the court for a very long time and I don't feel the film gave enough honesty to the topic at hand. Overall, Black or White is a decent film with a pair of amazing performances but the film's plot and heavy stereotypical racism hampers its hopes to becoming the important film it wants to be.

Some might call this the TV movie of the week. And I guess it qualifies if taken for what it stand for. But if you take the star quality at hand or in front of the camera. Kevin Costner likes his drama and likes to engage people into thinking. He's not entirely clear cut and the perfect man in this one either. But he has ideals, and even when he does something wrong, he's good deep inside.

So this movie is a light attempt on trying to bridge one of the biggest problems in American History. The color divide, the divide and the racial component between people in America. And while America voted for a Black President, the racial divide did not close. Actually in some places it even got bigger. But this is not about presidency, it's about an individual story. It's about how all people should be able to live together-if they try had enough ...

I was not surprised to read that this film was based on actual events. I am sure that these situations have played out numerous times when it comes to mulatto children. The one thing that did surprise me is that Kevin Costner felt so strongly about this film that he financed it himself (along with his wife). Being mulatto myself I was happy to see that a film that broached the subject was finally being made and it could not have come at a better time with all the racial issues of recent days. Mr. Costner recommended that you see this film with someone that does not look like you; and I agree. This film is about two grandparents that deeply love their granddaughter, Eloise (Jillian Estell). With the death of Elliot Anderson's (Kevin Costner) wife, Rowena Jeffers (Octavia Spencer) feels like she would be the better person to raise Eloise than Elliot and the battle ensues. Rick Reynolds (Bill Burr) is engaged to handle Elliot's case and Jeremiah Jeffers (Anthony Mackie) is representing Rowena. Both of these attorneys have their hands full because both Elliot and Rowena have issues of their own. The character that I enjoyed the most was Duvan Araga (Mpho Koako) who is the tutor hired by Elliot to help Eloise stay focused on her studies among other things. The theater was pretty packed and I think that everyone in the theater was enjoying the film. You can tell that it is a good movie when everyone else reacts the same way that you do to certain situations. This film has the potential to generate a lot of dialog which I think was the intent to begin with. I had never heard of writer/director Mike Binder, but I think that after this film, his name will be more recognizable in the future. What I got out of the film is that it is not Black OR White….. It is Black AND White. I think that the entire cast did an excellent job and I would highly recommend this film to everyone.

Such a good movie!! I almost didn't watch it because I was worried it would be boring or sad. But something inside of me told me to give it a try anyway and I'm really glad I did. It had great acting, the little girl was adorable, and the judge literally stole the show. Who the heck is that lady?!? Overall, it boasts a very good storyline which explores the themes of prejudice and hypocrisy, not just in the racial sense, but in other ways as well. Well worth watching.

Kevin Costner's "Black or White" is one of those break-through movies who bring the silver screen art to a next level. In his case, the movie brings the cultural and social conversation about race to a level it should have been long time ago. The movie suggests a new paradigm for the topic of race, a level where the social and personal relationships between people no longer include the skin color. The movie portrays with a keen sense the tension and resistance our cultural biases pose to any attempt to remove the racial aspects from the confrontations between people of different skin color. In "Black or White" Kevin Costner breaks the pattern of action hero he has got us used with, displaying acting traits of the highest level. With the camera close-ups on his face most of the time, his eyes add immense value to his acting, displaying real emotions and deep feelings only those who experienced parenting can truly understand and react to. Overall, "Black or White" is a new paradigm of both his personal acting and the cultural and social topic of racial tension.

'BLACK OR WHITE': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

Race relations drama flick, written and directed by Mike Binder and starring Kevin Costner. Costner also costarred in the 2005 comedy drama film 'THE UPSIDE OF ANGER', which Binder also wrote and directed; he was so passionate about Binder's screenplay, for 'BLACK OR WHITE', that he financed it's $9 million budget, himself. It tells the story of a recently widowed alcoholic, who becomes involved in a bitter custody battle for his granddaughter, who's half black, with her grandmother (who's black). The movie costars Octavia Spencer, Jillian Estell, Anthony Mackie, Andre Holland and Bill Burr. The film raises some interesting questions about race relations, but it fails to answer them fully.

The movie opens with Elliot Anderson (Costner) finding out that his wife, Carol (Jennifer Ehle), died in a car accident. He goes home and drinks himself to sleep, and then struggles to tell his granddaughter, Eloise (Estell), about her grandmother's death, the next day. It turns out that Elliot and Carol raised Eloise, since her birth; when her mother died during the delivery. Eloise's father, Reggie (Holland), was an abusive crack addict, who was never there for her. Now that Carol's gone, Reggie's mother, Rowena (Spencer), thinks that Elliot is unfit to raise Eloise alone, and she wants joint custody. Elliot refuses, and a viscous court battle ensues.

The movie is well made, and Costner gives a great leading man performance in it. It's dramatic, emotional and it also has a lot to say about race relations; as well as substance abuse. The movie never really answers the thought provoking questions it asks though (about racial prejudice or drug and alcohol addiction). It addresses the issues in a seemingly realistic way, for the most part (although some of the characters seem a bit too much like stereotypes), but it doesn't really draw any satisfying conclusions to them. Things get wrapped up, but not in a way that really teaches the viewer anything about the important issues, it brings up. The film is ambitious though, and it has a lot of heart.

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Writer director Mike Binder has created one of more sensitive films dealing with racial issues yet to be made. He has produced a story, directed it with such sensitivity with an outstanding cast that it absolutely serves not only every ward the film industry can give but also the recognition of everyone working for equal rights. The script is brilliant, rich in humor and pathos, and very, very intelligent.

The synopsis is too brief but offers the flavor of the film: 'BLACK OR WHITE is the story of a grandfather Elliot (Kevin Costner) who when his wife Carol (Jennifer Ehle) is killed in an automobile accident is suddenly left to care for his beloved granddaughter Eloise (Jillian Estell) – a child born to their daughter impregnated at age 17 by an African American junkie Reggie (André Holland): the daughter dies in childbirth and who died in childbirth. When her paternal grandmother Rowena (Octavia Spencer) seeks custody with the help of her brother Jeremiah (Anthony Mackie), the little girl is torn between two families who love her deeply. With the best intentions at heart, both families fight for what they feel is right and are soon forced to confront their true feelings about race, forgiveness, and understanding. Anchored by an all-star cast and based on real events, the movie is a look at two seemingly different worlds, in which nothing is as simple as black or white.'

In addition to the brilliant cast listed above there are cameos by some rather extraordinary actors – Paula Newsome (a gifted and rising star who plays the judge), Mpho Koaho who plays Eloise's tutor, and Joe Chrest – Elliot's attorney partner and best friend.

The film belongs to Costner, Spencer and Estell – and it could not be in stronger hands. Highly Recommended.

Great acting, touching moments, and lots of tense moments :-(

Absolutely excellent. Also having seen Bill Burr on stage he certainly showed he can do anything as we see in his dramatic role in this film. Well done Mr. Burr and of course the excellent work by all in the film.

"Black or White" had a lot going for it but perhaps it bit off more than it could chew. As the plot of the movie began to settle in I thought, wow we are in for an interesting ride. So many themes that are ripe for exploring seemed present in the first few minutes of the film. In the context of this movie, instead of looking at these as themes, let's look at them as plot devices or obstacles for potential conflict and tension. There is the single parent, in this case a grandparent, raising a child. There is the generation gap between grandparent and grandchild. There is the gender challenge, in this case a male raising a female. There is the idea of loss and what it is to keep moving in this world after we have lost a loved one and partner that shared our life with us. Finally there is the theme of race, again in this case a white man raising a biracial granddaughter.

So much potential is here, yet for 80% of the film I felt I was watching a made for Lifetime melodrama. Everything from the mournful saxophone soundtrack straight from a 1992 slow burn thriller to the clunky and forced comments on race, to the too on the nose comparisons between the grandfather (Kevin Costner) and the girl's father (André Holland) to the un true to life court scenes made me shift restlessly in my seat and wonder how much more time was left until I could depart this sinking ship of a film.

There was some interesting casting choices made. Comedian Bill Burr plays Rick Reynolds, Elliot Anderson's (Kevin Costner) friend and lead lawyer in the custody battle of Elliot's granddaughter. Community's Gillian Jacobs makes a couple appearances early in the film as Rick's other half and to provides a bit of comedy relief but oddly disappeared from the 2nd half of the movie for no reason other than a purposeful tone shift, but the disappearance has no on screen explanation provided.

The tension and drama of the film was too meandering and did little to engage the audience and when the stakes were finally raised for a scene here or there it felt too much like a paint by numbers approach. In other words I found the film boring, it made me only care about closing my eyes and when it tried to break from being boring it was just too predictable. It was like seeing the bad guy in a play waiting in the wings ready to make his next stage appearance.

Kevin Costner financed this film and it was very important for him to make. I thought the topics he wanted to tackle were worthy and some of what the script had to say was important for us to discuss as viewers. It just was clumsy in its presentation which is frustrating when thinking about what the film could have been.

Blarv Rating out of 10: 3.5

Review: As I hadn't heard of this movie before and Costner's previous movies haven't been that great, I wasn't really expecting much from this emotional drama but I must say, I really enjoyed it. The performances are great and the witty script is full of drama right from the get go. Kevin Costner plays Elliot Anderson, who finds out that his wife has died in an car accident, so he turns to alcohol for comfort. The following morning he hides the alcohol bottles from his mixed race granddaughter, Eloise (Jillian Estell) and he gets her ready for school. As he doesn't know her regular routine, Eloise tells him what to do but he still gets lost whilst driving her to school, because he has never been there before. When he finally drops her off, he returns home to organise the funeral arrangements with his best friend Rick (Bill Burr) and his girlfriend Fay (Gillian Jacobs). Because Elliot is drinking, Rick takes Elliot to pick up Eloise from school, we're he tells her about the tragic accident. At the funeral, Eloise's other grandmother, Rowena (Octavia Spencer), attends with her large family and talks to Elliot about Eloise living with them but he's happy with the way things are. As Elliot struggles to help Eloise with her homework, he hires a tutor, Duvan (Mpho Koaha) to help both of them and he reveals that his daughter died whilst giving birth to Eloise. Elliot then finds out that Rowena wants to sue him for custody, via her brother Jeremiah (Anthony Mackie), whose a hot shot lawyer with high credentials. Elliot then pays Duvan to drive him around, because of his unhealthy drinking habit and he drives him to Rowena's house because he wants her to drop the court case. She accuses him of not wanting Eloise to know her black roots so Elliot mentions that she is going to a good school and she is living in a safe neighbourhood. He also mentions the problems that her son Reggie (Andre Holland) caused there family while he was addicted to crack, which doesn't go down to well. Jeremiah then convinces his sister to play the race card and he hires a black judge to take the case. After the initial hearing, Elliot keeps on drinking while Eloise is seeing a psychiatrist and starts to ask questions about her dad. Reggie then shows up at Elliot's office, asking for money to clear his debts in return for staying out of the proceedings, which will give Elliot a better chance of winning. He asks him to see Eloise because she has been asking for him, so she gets dressed up and waits for his arrival but he doesn't turn up. After another night hitting the bottle, Rowena's family turn up at Elliot's house to go swimming and Reggie sits outside, nervous to join them. Because Reggie didn't see Eloise the night before, Elliot confronts Reggie and he tells him a few home truths. Reggie then spends some time with his daughter and Elliot offers him $25,000 to get clean, which he takes whilst saying that he is off the drugs. Back in the courtroom, Reggie tells the judge that Elliot bribed him with the cash and later on that night, Reggie takes Eloise from Elliot's house. When the maid calls Elliot to tell him about the ordeal, he rushes to Rowena's to see Eloise playing the piano during a musical gathering and he can see Reggie smoking and drinking across the road. After a violent confrontation, he warns him to stay away from Eloise and he tells Rowena the true reason why he gave him the money. Back at court, Duvan tells the judge about Elliot's drinking and Reggie says his rehearsed lines. When Elliot takes the stand, he talks about the problems that he had with Reggie in the past and he's questioned about the time he will be able to spend with Eloise, when he goes back to work. Later on that night, Reggie turns up at Elliot's house, asking for more money and he pulls a knife on Elliot, which leads to a fight. After falling into the pool with a head injury, Reggie goes upstairs to get Eloise. He then sees pictures that Eloise has drawn of him and her grandparents and he sees some old pictures of her mum, which brings him back to his senses. He then goes back to the pool and saves Elliot's life, whilst constantly apologising for the way he treated Elliot's daughter. A week later, Reggie admits that he isn't ready to be a father and that he has to go away to get himself together so Elliot doesn't mention the alteration at his house. Rowena admits that Elliot has Eloise's best interest at heart so she also drops her charges. After a while, Elliot drops Eloise at Rowena's house because he needs a couple of weeks to get himself together but he still wants Duvan to tutor her and take her to school. A warm hearted film which covers some delicate matters! I personally didn't want the film to end and I found the chemistry between Costner and Eloise, touching. I'm glad to see that the movie made a profit because it really did deserve it. Great Watch!

Round-Up: This movie was directed by Mike Binder who brought you Indian Summer, the awful Blankman, the Upside of Anger and Reign Over Me, which I really enjoyed. He really did put together a great film and he got the most out of the actors, so I have to give credit when it's due. 

Budget: $9million Worldwide Gross: $21.5million

I recommend this movie to people who are into their dramatic movies starring Kevin Costner, Octavia Spencer, Jillian Estell, Anthony Mackie and Gillian Jacobs and Jennifer Ehle. 7/10