Waiting to Exhale (1995)
Cheated on, mistreated and stepped on, the women are holding their breath, waiting for the elusive "good man" to break a string of less-than-stellar lovers. Friends and confidants Vannah, Bernie, Glo and Robin talk it all out, determined to find a better way to breathe.
OverviewLaunched in 1995, "Waiting to Exhale" is an American love movie directed by Forest Whitaker. The film is an adjustment of Terry McMillan's 1992 novel of the exact same name. It provides a brilliant narrative of the lives and relationships of four African-American ladies. Starring Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, and Lela Rochon, the movie shows the ups and downs of these women's lives dealing with their relationships, professions, and friendships over three years.
PlotThe movie revolves around Savannah (Whitney Houston), Bernadine (Angela Bassett), Robin (Lela Rochon), and Gloria (Loretta Devine) who stabilize their lives amidst heartbreaks and dissatisfactions gathering strength from their friendship. Savannah, an effective tv producer, look for love and handle her mother's pressure to get married. Bernadine, a rich lady, suffers a psychological breakdown after she finds out about her other half's affair and subsequent strategy of leaving her for his secretary. Robin is a high-powered executive who regularly falls for the incorrect guy, while Gloria, a hair salon owner and a single mommy, finds love with a new neighbor.
Themes
The main style of "Waiting to Exhale" is the exploration of the everyday battles and triumphs of black ladies. It takes on themes of love, relationship struggles, extramarital relations, relationship, pride, and finding personal happiness. As all 4 women look for satisfying relationships, the film candidly explores their challenges in dealing with betrayal, deceit, loss, and isolation.
Performances
The performances by the film's leads are engaging. Whitney Houston's portrayal of Savannah offers an appealing mix of vulnerability, strength, and humor, while Angela Bassett provides an extreme efficiency as Bernadine, particularly shining in the scenes where she faces her hubby's extramarital relations. Loretta Devine infuses Gloria with beauty and sass, and Lela Rochon successfully portrays Robin's questionable relationship options and ultimate self-realization.
Vital Reception
"Waiting to Exhale" was favored by the audience and critics. Although the movie was slammed for the unfavorable depiction of black men, it was praised for exposing the strength of black females and their capability to construct an encouraging network. It concentrated on subjects that were often disregarded in mainstream movie theater and showcased the experiences of black ladies through a lens of empathy and understanding. The movie grossed $81.4 million in North America and scored two nominations at the 68th Academy Awards.
Conclusion
Offering a viewpoint on the lives of 4 African-American ladies, "Waiting to Exhale" is an evocative story that showcases the significance of female friendship in the face of love, loss, and challenge. The movie likewise advances the appeal of durability and self-embrace. Whitney Houston's pop struck "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)" from the film's soundtrack scored a Grammy, additional adding a musical beauty to this poignant story. Overall, this film leaves a profound impact by showing the power of relationship and self-love, exuding a universal resonance beyond race or gender.
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