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Soul Man

4.6

452

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Original title

Soul Man

Year

1986

Running time

101 min.

Country

United States

Director

Steve Miner

Screenwriter

Carol Black

Cast

Music

Tom Scott

Cinematography

Jeff Jur

Producer

New World Pictures, Balcor Film

Genre

Comedy | Schools & University. Teen Comedy. Romantic Comedy. Teen/coming-of-age

Synopsis

In order to win a scholarship, Mark Watson (C. Thomas Howell), the white son of an affluent psychiatrist, pretends to be black on his application form. When he's accepted, he alters his hair, skin and speech to conceal his true identity. At first Mark believes that going through law school as a minority will be a breeze, but he soon begins experiencing racism. Eventually, Mark falls in love with Sarah Walker (Rae Dawn Chong), a black student, and begins to feel guilty about his ruse.

Critics' reviews

"This social farce is excellently written, fast paced and intelligently directed. Film is hilarious throughout."

Variety Staff: Variety
"Though some viewers are sure to take offense, between the scattered laughs the movie's most remarkable achievement is its run-of-the mill dullness"

David Ansen: Newsweek
"It has a breezy, unapologetic manner. And it also happens to be funny, which goes a long way toward making up for any underlying obtuseness or insensitivity."

Janet Maslin: The New York Times
"This is a genuinely interesting idea, filled with dramatic possibilities, but the movie approaches it on the level of a dim-witted sit-com (...) Rating: ★ (out of 4)"

Roger Ebert: Chicago Sun-Times
"'Soul Man' is a slick, frightening piece of work. It's not only because Ron Reagan Jr. has a bit part in it that it seems the definitive Reagan-era film."

Dave Kehr: Chicago Tribune
"'Soul Man' is a mess, at almost every level. Steve Miner's direction stabs at farce, misses; makes a desperate dive at comedy, misses, and settles for sitcom sentimentality"

Sheila Benson: Los Angeles Times
"Howell makes the least convincing black guy ever, his eventual contrition feels hollow and forced — much like the laughs. (...) Rating: ★★ (out of 5)"

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User history

Soul Man

1986

Steve Miner

4.6

(452)