Watch A Raisin in the Sun

A Raisin in the Sun is a 1961 drama film that is based on Lorraine Hansberry's play of the same name. The movie was directed by Daniel Petrie and starred Sidney Poitier, Claudia McNeil, Ruby Dee, Diana Sands, and Louis Gossett Jr. The plot of the movie revolves around the Younger family, who live on the South Side of Chicago. The head of the family, Walter Lee Younger (Sidney Poitier), dreams of providing a better life for his family than what they currently have. He wants to buy a liquor store with the money he will receive from his deceased father's life insurance policy. However, his mother, Lena (Claudia McNeil), wants to use the money to buy a house in a better neighborhood.

The tension between the family members is heightened when Lena's daughter, Beneatha (Diana Sands), announces that she wants to use some of the money to fund her medical school education. Her brother, Walter, is not supportive of her aspirations and argues that the family needs the money more urgently.

The family's struggles are further compounded by the racial segregation that existed in the 1950s. They are constantly facing discrimination from white people, who view them as inferior, and their choices and opportunities are limited because of their race.

Despite their struggles, the Younger family is a proud and resilient one. They persevere through their challenges and prove themselves to be a tight-knit family, despite their differences.

The film is a touching portrayal of a family's struggle for a better life, and the obstacles they must overcome to achieve their dreams. The performances by the cast are superb, as they bring to life the complex emotions and motivations of their characters.

Sidney Poitier's performance as Walter Lee Younger is particularly standout, as he brilliantly portrays the character's desperation and inner turmoil. He expertly conveys the character's desire to provide for his family, as well as his frustrations with the limitations placed on him by society.

Claudia McNeil's performance as Lena is also impressive, as she exudes a quiet strength and dignity that commands respect. She is the rock of the family, and her unwavering commitment to their well-being is a testament to her love for them.

Ruby Dee's portrayal of Walter's wife, Ruth, is also noteworthy, as she brings a depth and complexity to the character that adds to the film's richness.

The film is a powerful exploration of the African American experience in the 1950s, and the struggles that families like the Youngers faced during that time. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit, and a reminder that, despite the challenges and obstacles we may face, we can overcome them with perseverance and determination.

Overall, A Raisin in the Sun is a poignant and thought-provoking film that is as relevant today as it was when it was first released. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the themes of family, race, and the American Dream.

A Raisin in the Sun is a 1961 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 8 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0 and a MetaScore of 87.