Watch Harlem Aria

Harlem Aria is a critically-acclaimed drama film directed by William Jennings and released in 1999. The movie follows the story of a young, talented opera singer named Anton (Gabriel Casseus) from Harlem, who dreams of performing at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Anton has a natural talent for singing but struggles to overcome the challenges of his background, including poverty, gang violence, and racism.

The movie opens with Anton performing on the streets of Harlem, where he garners the attention of a classical music enthusiast named Edward (Damon Wayans). Edward, an eccentric and wealthy man, is captivated by Anton's voice and offers to become his sponsor, providing him with financial support to pursue his dream. Anton accepts the offer and begins taking voice lessons with Edward's help.

As Anton's opera career begins to take off, he finds himself caught in a love triangle between Edward's daughter Delores (Nicole Ari Parker) and his best friend and fellow singer Jay (Christian Camargo). Delores is wealthy, elegant, and supportive of Anton's aspirations, while Jay is rough around the edges and skeptical of the elitist culture of opera. Anton must navigate his complicated relationships with both Delores and Jay as he pursues his dream of singing on the big stage.

Harlem Aria is a story of ambition, perseverance, and coming-of-age in the face of adversity. The film tackles issues of race, class, love, and art, all against the backdrop of the vibrant neighborhood of Harlem. The movie's message is clear: with talent, hard work, and a little bit of luck, anyone can achieve their dreams, no matter where they come from.

One of the standout features of Harlem Aria is its strong cast. Gabriel Casseus, in particular, delivers a captivating performance as Anton, imbuing the character with a sense of depth and complexity. Damon Wayans also shines in his role as the eccentric Edward, showcasing a subtle yet effective range of emotions throughout the film. The chemistry between the actors is palpable, making each scene feel authentic and emotionally resonant.

Another notable aspect of the movie is its stunning cinematography. The film's cinematographer, Teodoro Maniaci, captures the vibrant, colorful energy of Harlem while also imbuing the movie with a sense of realism and grit. The film's use of light and shadow, as well as its skillful camera work, adds an extra layer of depth to the story, making it a visual feast for the eyes.

Overall, Harlem Aria is a triumph of independent cinema, combining powerful performances, stunning visuals, and a thought-provoking story into a film that both entertains and inspires. Whether you're a fan of opera, drama, or simply enjoy compelling storytelling, this film is sure to leave a lasting impression on you. So, if you're looking for a movie with heart, soul, and sincerity, look no further than Harlem Aria.

Harlem Aria is a 1999 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9 and a MetaScore of 20.