LaRose Parris

Breathtaking, stunning, poignant -- just a few words to describe an art film about true love. It is an art film, expressed as a London musical, with a multi-racial cast of actors, singers, and dancers. Thankfully, it lacks the forced diversity of the typical American film that degenerates into self-conscious racist references and callously inappropriate bad racist humor. This sublime musical film showcases humankind in all of our imperfect glory and beauty. A beauty that shines because every single cast member sees the soul of the other, leaving us to witness the reality that WE make love real in our recognition of each other's beauty. This beauty is diametrically opposed to the Hollywood standard of perfection obsessed, cosmetic distortion. Been So Long celebrates true, natural, untouched beauty of all kinds and types of people. Add to all of this glory, a beautiful plot about people's vulnerability, fear of intimacy, and those fits and starts of emotional and physical connection. Then there's the amazing original soundtrack and great dancing scenes. I cannot praise this movie enough. It is truly Oscar worthy!!!!