Black Joy (1977) - Blu-ray Forum

GlacierTuba · 11-02-2023, 10:51 PM

This was surprisingly good. I had absolutely no idea what to expect from this film but really did enjoy it.

Norman Beaton is very good in a leading role, but I think he's upstaged here by the legendary Floella Benjamin who really steals the show in a very rare film role, particularly towards the end of the film where David gets a bit of a rude awakening. Floella in Playschool with Humpty Dumpty this is most certainly not!

Trevor Thomas is decent here in the lead role alongside Dawn Hope. He really conveys a sense of innocence and naivety. Sometimes it comes across a bit stilted though so I'd knock the film a point or two for that. It's worth reiterating that Benjamin is superb in this and I love the liberal use of Patwah!

Black Joy has an absolutely stellar soundtrack. The amount of red tape for this disc must be through the roof as the entire runtime is just filled with hit after hit, plus a live performance by The Real Thing!

Little titbit to look out for later in the film, some scenes are shot in Margate. I couldn't help but get a flash forward to 1989. You'll see a few familiar locations from the Jolly Boys Outing!

The film seems to come across as a bit of a comedy mish mash but also conveys a sense of bleakness and tension. It shows a time in history of racial tension, life at the end of the Windrush generation era , culture, music and a London undergoing great change. It doesn't always work and feels like it is hampered by a shoestring budget at times. Its not a failure though and a film I'd thoroughly recommend watching.

Shame it's now out of stock and deleted by Indicator. If you can find a copy at a non-scalper price, snap it up. Well worth a viewing.

Oh and by the way, watch the extras, they are plentiful and excellent. I never knew Floella Benjamin was approached to be a Playboy centerfold and turned it down!

11-02-2023, 10:51 PM	#1
GlacierTuba Power Member Member since:Apr 2023	Black Joy (1977) This was surprisingly good. I had absolutely no idea what to expect from this film but really did enjoy it. Norman Beaton is very good in a leading role, but I think he's upstaged here by the legendary Floella Benjamin who really steals the show in a very rare film role, particularly towards the end of the film where David gets a bit of a rude awakening. Floella in Playschool with Humpty Dumpty this is most certainly not! Trevor Thomas is decent here in the lead role alongside Dawn Hope. He really conveys a sense of innocence and naivety. Sometimes it comes across a bit stilted though so I'd knock the film a point or two for that. It's worth reiterating that Benjamin is superb in this and I love the liberal use of Patwah! Black Joy has an absolutely stellar soundtrack. The amount of red tape for this disc must be through the roof as the entire runtime is just filled with hit after hit, plus a live performance by The Real Thing! Little titbit to look out for later in the film, some scenes are shot in Margate. I couldn't help but get a flash forward to 1989. You'll see a few familiar locations from the Jolly Boys Outing! The film seems to come across as a bit of a comedy mish mash but also conveys a sense of bleakness and tension. It shows a time in history of racial tension, life at the end of the Windrush generation era , culture, music and a London undergoing great change. It doesn't always work and feels like it is hampered by a shoestring budget at times. Its not a failure though and a film I'd thoroughly recommend watching. Shame it's now out of stock and deleted by Indicator. If you can find a copy at a non-scalper price, snap it up. Well worth a viewing. Oh and by the way, watch the extras, they are plentiful and excellent. I never knew Floella Benjamin was approached to be a Playboy centerfold and turned it down! Last edited by BigNickUK; 11-03-2023 at 11:18 AM.

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