Variety
Richard Tanne's writing-directing debut deepens into a pointed, flowing conversation about the many challenges (and varieties) of African-American identity...
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Southside With You
Mellow Sundance romance feature based on the first date between President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, set in 1989 Chicago.
"One Chicago afternoon in 1989, a Harvard Law summer associate named Barack Obama finagled a tête-à-tête with an attorney from the prestigious corporate law firm where they both worked. Her name was Michelle Robinson, and his pretense was a friendly outing to a community organizer meeting. In Michelle’s eyes, it was most certainly not a date. But as ice cream gives way to a stop at the Art Institute, and the community gathering conveniently becomes a chance for Barack to lecture brilliantly on activism, it’s stunningly obvious to Michelle that this cigarette-smoking smooth talker is desperately trying to woo her.
"As their epic encounter continues into evening and these fiercely bright minds go head-to-head, sparks fly. Southside With You takes plenty of poetic license to craft this charming, playful story out of true-life events, yet actors Tika Sumpter and Parker Sawyers embody the essence of two people matched in power, idealism, and intellect." (Sundance Film Festival)
Less2016Rating: M, Coarse language84 minsUSA
DramaTrue Story & BiographyRomance
- Director:
- Richard Tanne (feature debut)
- Writer:
- Richard Tanne
- Cast:
- Tika SumpterParker Sawyers
Southside With You | Reviews
92%162 reviewsRotten Tomatoes® Score
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Total Film
First-time filmmaker Richard Tanne conjures an effective sense of time and place -- Chicago, 1989 -- and the leads are a real find, radiating authority, charm and chemistry.
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The Guardian
A gently likable, Linklaterish movie that ideologically conflates romantic excitement with progressive idealism, bringing in some unexpected subtleties.
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Little White Lies
Stumbles occasionally, but still manages to cast a hushed spell that never entirely fades.
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Hollywood Reporter
The result makes you realize how few realistic and three-dimensional date movies have been made in an era of throbbing hook-up encounters and R-rated horny teen gross-outs.
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Empire Magazine
Even if you didn't know what comes next, this story of the first days of the Obamas would still seduce as a sweet, smart romance.
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