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A Raisin in the Sun

Released Mar 29, 1961 2h 8m Drama TRAILER for A Raisin in the Sun: Trailer 1 List
90% Tomatometer 51 Reviews 86% Audience Score 5,000+ Ratings
This lauded drama follows the Youngers, an African-American family living together in an apartment in Chicago. Following the death of their patriarch, they try to determine what to do with the substantial insurance payment they'll soon receive. Opinions on what to do with the money vary. Walter Lee (Sidney Poitier) wants to make a business investment, while his mother, Lena (Claudia McNeil), is intent on buying a house for them all to live in -- two differing views of the American Dream. Read More Read Less
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A Raisin in the Sun

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A Raisin in the Sun

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Critics Consensus

Led by a masterful performance from Sidney Poitier, A Raisin in the Sun expertly blends social commentary with pure entertainment.

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Critics Reviews

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Marjory Adams Boston Globe Has everything to recommend it from intelligent dialog to ingenious photography; from honest and exciting characterization to sly artful fun. Aug 23, 2022 Full Review Myles Standish St. Louis Post-Dispatch A powerful picture alternately funny, angry, explosive, stunning and pathetic, but always honest and with the unmistakable ring of authenticity in its people and its dialog. Aug 23, 2022 Full Review Bosley Crowther New York Times It is a wonderful, warm comprehension of a people's humor, strength and dignity under a multitude of sad and silly burdens. It should generate love, not hate. Aug 23, 2022 Full Review Louie Robinson Jet Magazine Lorraine Hansberry’s brilliant Broadway play has been transferred to the motion picture screen with all of its earthy drama and humor intact -- a rare feat in moviemaking. Jan 17, 2024 Full Review Chazz Crawford California Eagle It's a great, great show. Aug 24, 2022 Full Review Moira Walsh America Magazine A powerful drama about basically decent, ordinary, likeable people. Aug 23, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (257) audience reviews
Fredric B The Stellar cast in this story has no equal! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/30/24 Full Review Lauri S The actors do phenomenal work here, especially Sidney Poitier. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/28/24 Full Review Nicholas K I think A Raisin In the Sun 1961 was really well done and very good at staying close to the original novel. My favorite part of this film is how the characters emotions are shown, I feel as though these are real people and I feel when they are hurt or when they are happy. Walter is my favorite character for an example, showing how he is able to go from happiness to sadness in a few seconds showing how the emotional scale works. In the film when Bobo comes and tells Walter about what happens to the money we can really tell the grief and the pain he was feeling. Right before this scene however we see Walter happy and singing his heart out, leading on to where the money was taken. We feel the emotional attachment to Walter and Mama in this scene too. I do say that if you want a movie that is close to the novel in video format this would be a great representation. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/23/23 Full Review Brady ren S Absolutely abysmal so boring do not watch Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 11/29/22 Full Review Audience Member Timeless! A MUST SEE for everyone, in any year & any age. A lesson in life that touches every sense of our being. Should be shown in all schools, jails & classes of people in every level, every race, creed & color. An all time CLASSIC! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/03/23 Full Review Audience Member A great portrayal of an African-American family struggling to get ahead. All of the cast members give great performances. The photography is excellent, and the editing is tight. I think this is a must see film. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/20/23 Full Review Read all reviews
A Raisin in the Sun

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A Raisin in the Sun

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A Raisin in the Sun

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Movie Info

Synopsis This lauded drama follows the Youngers, an African-American family living together in an apartment in Chicago. Following the death of their patriarch, they try to determine what to do with the substantial insurance payment they'll soon receive. Opinions on what to do with the money vary. Walter Lee (Sidney Poitier) wants to make a business investment, while his mother, Lena (Claudia McNeil), is intent on buying a house for them all to live in -- two differing views of the American Dream.
Director
Daniel Petrie
Producer
David Susskind, Philip Rose
Production Co
Columbia Pictures Corporation
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Mar 29, 1961, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
May 25, 2010
Runtime
2h 8m
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