Watch Aaron Loves Angela

Aaron Loves Angela is a 1975 romantic drama film directed by Gordon Parks Jr. and starring Moses Gunn, Kevin Hooks, and Irene Cara. The film tells the story of Aaron, a black teen from Harlem, who falls in love with Angela, a Puerto Rican girl from the Lower East Side. The movie starts with Aaron working at his uncle's A & M Records store in Harlem. One day, he meets Angela at a Puerto Rican Day parade, and the two become smitten with each other. Despite some initial hesitation, they start dating and quickly fall in love. However, their respective communities disapprove of their interracial relationship, and they face numerous obstacles along the way.

As Aaron and Angela navigate their relationship, they must contend with negative attitudes from their families, friends, and even strangers on the street. The film depicts the racial tension and prejudice that exists between black and Puerto Rican communities in New York City during the 1970s. Aaron and Angela must figure out how to navigate this tension while staying true to their feelings for each other.

In addition to the central love story, the film also explores the theme of personal responsibility. Aaron is a talented track runner who dreams of going to college and making something of himself, but he is easily distracted by his friends and neighborhood. Meanwhile, Angela is dealing with her own family struggles and a difficult home life. The film shows how these factors can hinder their progress and jeopardize their future plans.

Moses Gunn gives a powerful performance as Aaron's father, who disapproves of his relationship with Angela. He believes that black men should only marry black women and fears that Aaron's association with Angela will harm his future prospects. This character adds depth and complexity to the film's portrayal of interracial relationships and the challenges they face.

Kevin Hooks and Irene Cara also deliver strong performances as Aaron and Angela, respectively. They have great chemistry on screen and convey the passion and tenderness of their relationship effectively. Their performances capture the youthful energy and optimism of young love, as well as the frustration and disappointment that comes with societal pressures.

The film's direction and cinematography are also noteworthy. Gordon Parks Jr. creates a vibrant and immersive world that captures the vibrant energy of New York City. There are several memorable scenes that showcase the city's diversity and cultural richness, such as a sequence at a dance hall where Aaron and Angela show off their moves. The film's soundtrack is also outstanding and features several hit songs of the era.

Overall, Aaron Loves Angela is a poignant and realistic depiction of interracial relationships and the challenges they face. The film offers a timeless message of love conquering all and the importance of standing up for what you believe in, even in the face of adversity. It's a must-see for anyone interested in love stories, social issues, or the cultural history of New York City.

Aaron Loves Angela is a 1975 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.