Watch River Niger

River Niger is a 1976 drama film directed by Krishna Shah, based on Joseph A. Walker's play of the same name. The film boasts an impressive cast, with Cicely Tyson, James Earl Jones, and Louis Gossett Jr. in leading roles. The film follows Johnny Williams (played by Jones), a struggling African American poet who's hit rock bottom. After a failed suicide attempt, he returns home to his family in Harlem, New York. Johnny is greeted by his girlfriend, Mattie (played by Tyson), and his best friend, Jeff (played by Gossett Jr.). Jeff is a former athlete who's now a hustler, and he tries to convince Johnny to come along with him to sell drugs.

Despite his current predicament, Johnny is a man of great integrity, and he refuses to take part in Jeff's illegal scheme. Instead, he wants to focus on his poetry and writing. Johnny shares his work with Mattie, and she's blown away by his talent. She sees Johnny's potential and urges him to pursue his dream of becoming a published writer.

As the film progresses, we see the ups and downs of Johnny's journey as a writer. He struggles to pay the bills and support his family while trying to write his masterpiece. Meanwhile, Mattie goes to work to support Johnny, but she's constantly worried about his well-being.

The film tackles some heavy themes, including poverty, addiction, and family dynamics. We see the impact of Johnny's struggles on his family and loved ones. His mother is worried sick about him, and his daughter is confused about his behavior. Despite this, Johnny is determined to stay on the right path and pursue his dreams.

One of the stand-out scenes in the film is when Johnny performs a spoken word piece in front of a group of African American activists. The piece is a powerful message about the struggles of the black community in America. The scene is incredibly well-acted and gives the audience a glimpse into the mind of Johnny Williams.

The film also explores the relationship between Johnny and Mattie. The two are deeply in love and share a strong bond. Mattie is Johnny's biggest supporter and believes in him even when he doesn't believe in himself.

The film's climax is both heart-wrenching and powerful. It's a culmination of Johnny's struggles and his eventual triumph. It's a moment that showcases the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of pursuing one's dreams.

Overall, River Niger is a moving film that explores themes of hope, struggle, and the power of the written word. The performances by Jones, Tyson, and Gossett Jr. are outstanding, and the film's direction and cinematography are top-notch. It's a film that still resonates with audiences today, nearly 50 years after its release.

River Niger is a 1976 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.