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      Nightjohn

      PG-13 1996 1 hr. 32 min. Drama List
      100% 10 Reviews Tomatometer 85% 100+ Ratings Audience Score Literacy has enormous consequences for a slave (Carl Lumbly) and his young student in the pre-Civil War South. Read More Read Less

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      Nightjohn

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      Audience Reviews

      View All (13) audience reviews
      Audience Member Strong, Sad but Beautiful! Reminiscent of The Color Purple. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 04/06/18 Full Review Audience Member Based on a novel by prolific writer Gary Paulsen, "Nightjohn" is a pre-abolition historical flick that tells the story of a slave who could read, and was unafraid to teach others to do the same. Though the story, acting, production values, and such were all great, a plodding pace, as well as some language and violence combined with implied sexual content, both made this hard for me to get through and makes it inappropriate for youngsters. It's definitely worth a rental for older folks, but, unless you're simply fanatical about Gary Paulsen's works, there's no need to purchase this. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/26/23 Full Review Audience Member Nightjohn is a very enjoyable film, that is quite underrated it seems. It's a shame few people seem to know about this great film since it has such an interesting story about a slave girl learning to read and also features great performances across the board from the cast. On top of having genuine touching moments, there are also surprising moments of funny humor. Nightjohn overall is an excellent, very underrated film that deserves a lot more attention. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/26/23 Full Review Audience Member i'm an alternative high school teacher, show nightjohn every year, single best film on slavery i know of, most popular among my students. last year, students insisted on seeing it 2x, not one student left the room during the entire 96 minutes of the film. every frame could be stopped for discussion of the historical truths depicted. whoever wrote the screenplay knew his/her history. knowledge is power, the multi-layered meanings of literacy, resonate strongly not only with teens, but anyone who sees the film. i don't understand why this great film is rarely mentioned when burnett's work is discussed. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/07/23 Full Review Audience Member Wonderful movie that brought to light the truths of why keeping slaves illiterate was so important to slave owners. Very touching story...chock full of some very good actors. Well done. Beau Bridges at his best. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/07/23 Full Review Audience Member Poignant,I found this Fascinating, slaves being punished for knowing how to read.Beau Bridges as Clel Waller was believably hateful.I cannot imagine how Slave Owners could justify not seeing their Slaves as Humans.This is yet another Film that I believe Teen School Kids should be Taught to learn Tolerance & History. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/19/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      Nightjohn

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      Critics Reviews

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      Rosalind Bentley Minneapolis Star Tribune Nightjohn provides a needed boost to battered will and reinforces a lesson that many would do well not to forget. Rated: 3/5 Jan 26, 2022 Full Review Lynne Heffley Los Angeles Times Carl Lumbly turns in a powerful performance as Nightjohn, a man whose wealth is his literacy. Sep 27, 2019 Full Review Caryn James New York Times Mr. [Charles] Burnett never sacrifices drama or emotions for the sake of neat themes and lessons, and his exquisitely real touch is matched by a superb cast. Sep 27, 2019 Full Review Michael Sragow Baltimore Sun Carl Lumbly brings bedrock conviction to Nightjohn. Sep 27, 2019 Full Review Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat Spirituality & Practice Powerful and soul-stirring drama set on a nineteenth century Southern plantation. Aug 27, 2002 Full Review Read all reviews

      Movie Info

      Synopsis Literacy has enormous consequences for a slave (Carl Lumbly) and his young student in the pre-Civil War South.
      Director
      Charles Burnett
      Executive Producer
      David Manson
      Screenwriter
      Bill Cain
      Production Co
      Hallmark Entertainment, Signboard Films Production Inc., Sarabande Productions
      Rating
      PG-13
      Genre
      Drama
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Streaming)
      Apr 5, 2017
      Sound Mix
      Stereo
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