Funny Valentines is a 1999 American drama film directed by Julie Dash and starring Alfre Woodard.[1] It is based on J. California Cooper's short story of the same name.[2] The film was produced by Starz! Pictures and released in selected theatres and later premiered on cable television.[3]

Funny Valentines
Directed byJulie Dash
Screenplay byRon Stacker Thompson
Ashley Tyler
Amy Schor Ferris
Based onFunny Valentines
by J. California Cooper
Produced byScott White
StarringAlfre Woodard
CinematographyKarl Herrmann
Edited byHibah Frisina
Music byStanley Clarke
Production
companies
BET Movies
Starz! Pictures
Chelsey Avenue Productions
Distributed byStarz! Pictures
Release date
  • February 14, 1999 (1999-02-14)
Running time
108 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Synopsis

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Looking to escape a troubled marriage, a woman returns to her hometown, where she repairs a broken friendship with her cousin and finds true happiness.

Cast

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Production

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Filming occurred in Wilmington, North Carolina.[2] This is the second movie co-starring Alfre Woodard and Loretta Devine after Down in the Delta.

Critical response

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The film and performances received positive reviews from critics. Laura Fries from the Variety magazine wrote in her review: "Director Julie Dash fosters a real sense of affection for these characters.[4][5] Like her film debut, “Daughters in the Dust,” Dash provides a lush atmosphere, creating a visual treat with intricate flashback sequences and inviting locations."[2]

At The 2000 Black Reel Awards the film received five nominations.

References

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  1. ^ Johnson, Allan; Hettrick, Scott (February 12, 1999). "DEVINE IS DIVINE IN FUNNY VALENTINES". Sun-Sentinel. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  2. ^ a b c Fries, Laura (9 February 1999). "Funny Valentines". Variety. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  3. ^ "Funny Valentines (1999) - Julie Dash | Synopsis, Characteristics, Moods, Themes and Related | AllMovie" – via www.allmovie.com.
  4. ^ Leonard, John (February 15, 1999). ""Funny Valentines" and "Deep in My Heart" - Nymag". New York Magazine.
  5. ^ "USA CABLE MOVIE DOESN'T DO JUSTICE TO CIVIL RIGHTS TALE". Chicago Tribune. February 9, 1999.
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