Wednesday, April 26, 2017

The Learning Tree (1969)


The story, set in Kansas during the 1920s, covers less than a year in the life of a black teenager, and documents the veritable deluge of events which force him into sudden manhood.

Basically a simple and nostalgic coming-of-age story, the movie is expertly staged and photographed and has a sharp eye for the racism in everyday life.

Halliwell*: "Despite its semi-autobiographical nature, the prevailing tone is nostalgic and almost elegiac; the past, despite its racism, is recollected with affection."

Maltin**1/2: "Parks called virtually every shot in brilliantly photographed but surprisingly mild version of his autobiographical novel...Film's appeal lies more in its intentions than in what it actually accomplishes."


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