Watch Go Tell it on the Mountain

Go Tell it on the Mountain is a 1985 drama film, based on a novel of the same name by James Baldwin. Directed by Stan Lathan, the movie is set in 1935 Harlem and follows the lives of an African American family as they face discrimination, poverty, and betrayal, while also dealing with complex family dynamics and religious conflicts.

The film revolves around the Grimes family, who are preparing for Christmas. The father of the family, Gabriel (Paul Winfield), is a strict disciplinarian who is deeply religious and has high expectations from his children. He is a preacher at a local church and believes that his dedication to God will eventually lead him to salvation. However, Gabriel has a dark past that haunts him, and he struggles with guilt and shame. His wife, Elizabeth (Olivia Cole), is worn out by Gabriel's harsh treatment and struggles to keep the family together.

The eldest son, John (James Bond III), is a troubled teenager who is struggling to find his place in the world. He is rebellious and at odds with his father's strict religious beliefs. John's younger brother, Roy (Rodrick F. Wimberly), is the complete opposite of him - obedient and devout, he is Gabriel's favorite son. Roy's unquestioning faith in his father's religion and authority adds tension to the family dynamics.

As the family prepares for Christmas, they delve into their past and reflect on their current struggles. John remembers a traumatic incident from his childhood that has left him scarred, and Gabriel is haunted by his own past mistakes. Elizabeth is fighting her own battles with her health and her marriage, while Roy struggles with the attention and favoritism bestowed upon him by his father.

The film explores complex themes of family, religion, and identity, as well as the impact of racism and discrimination on African American families during the Great Depression. The interactions between the family members are intense, emotional, and often painful to watch. The movie doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of the story, but also offers moments of hope and redemption.

The performances of the actors are impressive, particularly Paul Winfield, who delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Gabriel. He portrays the character's complexities with great skill, showing his faith, his cruelty, and his inner turmoil with equal depth. Olivia Cole is also excellent as Elizabeth, conveying her exhaustion and strength in equal measure. James Bond III and Rodrick F. Wimberly give strong performances as John and Roy, respectively, bringing depth and authenticity to their characters.

The film's cinematography is another standout aspect, with the lensing of the movie adding to the intensity and emotional depth of the story. The color palette is subdued, with dark tones and shadows, reflecting the bleakness and struggles of the characters' lives. The camera work is also highly effective, capturing the nuances of the family's interactions and emotions with great skill.

Overall, Go Tell it on the Mountain is a powerful and emotional drama that explores complex themes with sensitivity and nuance. The film's intense family dynamics, strong performances, and impressive cinematography make it a compelling watch. The story is one that is relevant even today, with themes of family, identity, and the impact of racism and discrimination on marginalized communities still very much relevant.

Go Tell it on the Mountain is a 1985 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.