A Raisin in the Sun

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A Raisin in the Sun

Released Mar 29, 1961

2h 8m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

90%

Tomatometer

52 Reviews

86%

Popcornmeter

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.

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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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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

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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

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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

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

Its message is powerful, along with the stellar performances by the entire ensemble cast.

Rated: 7/10

Feb 6, 2025

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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

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Chazz Crawford

California Eagle

It's a great, great show.

Aug 24, 2022

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Vitor O

It's a mesmerizing work by everyone envolved. A fantastic movie, that resonates deeply until this day.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/18/25

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jacob c

A dramatic, emotionally turbulent masterwork, complete with stellar performances, smartly-written characters, and a timeless, poignant message.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/11/25

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Audience Member

It seems most here are reviewing the history, themes, and cause, but not the film itself. Yes. It is an exceptional, historic, and important play, with deep and resonating themes. The MOVIE is never more than an uninspired filmed play. It is no wonder director Petrie never achieved great success in motion pictures. While the acting is great, it is stage acting, meant to reach the back row of the theater. There are practically no quiet moments that a good film would have. The writing, photography and editing never escape a stage bound atmosphere either. For a lesson in how to transfer a play to a film, look to Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? or A Streetcar Named Desire.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

09/19/24

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Fredric B

The Stellar cast in this story has no equal!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/30/24

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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

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Daniel Petrie

Director

Sidney Poitier

Walter Lee Younger

Claudia McNeil

Lena Younger

Ruby Dee

Ruth Younger

Diana Sands

Beneatha Younger

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A Raisin in the Sun: Trailer 1

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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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