Soul Man

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Soul Man

PG-13

Released Oct 24, 1986

1h 41m

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

17%

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24 Reviews

35%

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5,000+ Ratings

In order to win a scholarship, Mark Watson (C. Thomas Howell), the white son of an affluent psychiatrist, pretends to be black on his application form. When he's accepted, he alters his hair, skin and speech to conceal his true identity. At first Mark believes that going through law school as a minority will be a breeze, but he soon begins experiencing racism. Eventually, Mark falls in love with Sarah Walker (Rae Dawn Chong), a black student, and begins to feel guilty about his ruse.

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Critics Consensus

Critics had a whole lot less than a truckload of good loving for this woefully misguided take on race in '80s America.

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Liz Moody

Empire Magazine

The comedy was out of date before they even made this, no matter how much they try and twist the ending.

Rated: 2/5

Jun 7, 2006

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Time Out

In the end, however, it's let down by one easy laugh too many.

Feb 9, 2006

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Janet Maslin

New York Times

It's a blithe, silly, good-natured movie and, of its kind, quite an enjoyable one.

Rated: 3/5

May 20, 2003

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

It's an embarrassing film that I either wanted to throw-up from or laugh.

Rated: B-

Jun 26, 2023

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

A decidedly high-concept comedy...

Rated: 2/4

May 12, 2020

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TV Guide

Amiable but politically confused.

Rated: 2.5/4

Aug 4, 2009

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Roger S

Haven't watched in many years, entertaining and thought provoking.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/26/25

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Kirsten W

This movie was misunderstood in my opinion. I watched it when it was first released in 1986 and haven't seen it since. I was 14. People told me it was racist. I didn't agree. I laughed throughout the whole thing.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/20/23

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emma b

Still a good film. Shines a light on stereotypes and racism. A funny feel good 80s film

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/22/23

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Steve D

As misguided and offensive as any film made in the last 50 years.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

03/05/23

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Audience Member

Love this movie! You have to be able to laugh at yourself. Great acting and a wonderful light romance.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/15/23

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Audience Member

Even as a kid I knew this film was wrong. I didn't understand why no one knew this white guy was doing blackface, especially the lovely Rae Dawn Chong. There was no way I was buying that love story, it was way too absurd, and it creeped me out way back when. This one had a good run on cable circa 1987...yeah...1987! No one was objecting to this in the late 80s. Alas, "Soul Man" happened, and its poop is on our hands in this time capsule you'll only want to see for your "Racism in Hollywood" thesis project at UCLA.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/17/23

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Steve Miner

Director

C. Thomas Howell

Mark Watson

Rae Dawn Chong

Sarah Walker

Arye Gross

Gordon Bloomfeld

James Earl Jones

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Melora Hardin

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Synopsis

In order to win a scholarship, Mark Watson (C. Thomas Howell), the white son of an affluent psychiatrist, pretends to be black on his application form. When he's accepted, he alters his hair, skin and speech to conceal his true identity. At first Mark believes that going through law school as a minority will be a breeze, but he soon begins experiencing racism. Eventually, Mark falls in love with Sarah Walker (Rae Dawn Chong), a black student, and begins to feel guilty about his ruse.

Director: Steve Miner
Producer: Steve Tisch
Screenwriter: Carol Black
Production Co: Balcor Film Investors, The Steve Tisch Company
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 24, 1986, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 1, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $27.3M
Runtime: 1h 41m
Sound Mix: Surround

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