The Five Heartbeats

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The Five Heartbeats

R

1991

2h 2m

Drama

Music

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

39%

Tomatometer

18 Reviews

95%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

Coming in on the tail end of a rhythm and blues singing group explosion, The Five Heartbeats (Robert Townsend, Michael Wright, Leon, Harry J. Lennix, Tico Wells) rise and fall within the space of seven years. Along the way, the group deals with all manner of fame and fortune distractions -- jealousy, greed, too much womanizing and drugs all take a toll. Their troubles culminate when executive Big Red (Hawthorne James) is arrested for the murder of manager Jimmy Potter (Chuck Patterson).

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Dolores Barclay

Associated Press

Townsend does more than merely track the travails of five song stylists; he quivers and rages with their injustices, vulnerabilities, uncertainties and desires.

Feb 19, 2020

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Owen Gleiberman

Entertainment Weekly

Rated: C-

Sep 7, 2011

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

This is not only a biography with music, but also a thoughtful look at the way five young men from a poor but nurturing black neighborhood find success, and deal with it.

Rated: 3/4

Jan 1, 2000

Full Review

Lou Cedrone

Baltimore Sun

Robert Townsend co-wrote, directed and stars in the film, one whose sincerity does a lot to cover the amateurishness with which the film was made.

Aug 16, 2017

Full Review

Renee Schonfeld

Common Sense Media

The rise and fall of a flashy, fictional 1960s rock group.

Rated: 2/5

Feb 22, 2011

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Lori Hoffman

Atlantic City Weekly

Rated: 3/5

Jan 11, 2007

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Jonathan L

The acting, editing, and cinematography could be better. One of the BEST film soundtracks I've ever heard though, and the story was beautiful. Powerful movie, if you like That Thing You Do! or fictional biopic type movies, this is your thing. 88/100

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/28/24

Full Review

Regina P

This movie is very beloved in the African-American community. I think that may be hard for movie critics to judge. There are some awkward moments in the film, but it just makes you happy overall! Its repeat-watch value is very high. This is just going to have to be one of those films that only a niche community cherishes.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/31/23

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The MAD Screenwriter S

This movie plays like a timeless biography powered by solid acting and an unforgettable soundtrack.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/01/23

Full Review

Steve D

It can boarder on melodrama at times but the script and acting is strong.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/23/23

Full Review

Audience Member

You will feel like you’re traveling through the decades with these characters. The 60’, 70’s and 80’s are covered and the movie contains some great tunes from those era’s, plus exceptional original songs. Seeing such a low critic’s rating makes me wonder if we all watched the same movie? I thoroughly enjoyed it and I think you will too!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/25/22

Full Review

Audience Member

Amazing movie, story telling, fantastic music, choreography! This movie takes me to a place in time when movies meant something deep down in your heart. A timeless classic for those of us who appreciate characters that make us feel something beyond the theatre! Townsend killed it from start to finish! Can’t nobody sing like Ol’ Eddie Kaang Jr!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/06/22

Full Review

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Robert Townsend

Director

Robert Townsend

Duck

Michael Wright

Eddie

Leon

J.T.

Harry Lennix

Dresser

Tico Wells

Choirboy

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Synopsis

Coming in on the tail end of a rhythm and blues singing group explosion, The Five Heartbeats (Robert Townsend, Michael Wright, Leon, Harry J. Lennix, Tico Wells) rise and fall within the space of seven years. Along the way, the group deals with all manner of fame and fortune distractions -- jealousy, greed, too much womanizing and drugs all take a toll. Their troubles culminate when executive Big Red (Hawthorne James) is arrested for the murder of manager Jimmy Potter (Chuck Patterson).

Director: Robert Townsend
Producer: Loretha Ampah, Robert Townsend
Screenwriter: Robert Townsend, Keenen Ivory Wayans
Production Co: Twentieth Century Fox
Rating: R
Genre: Drama, Music
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 8, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $7.3M
Runtime: 2h 2m
Sound Mix: Surround

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