Posted on 10/16/2004 3:17:05 PM PDT by Recovering_Democrat
From the best selling novel and stage play, WOMAN THOU ART LOOSED (WTAL), comes the film adaptation of Bishop T.D. Jakes’ tale of dysfunction, isolation and finally, inspiration. WTAL tells the story of Michelle Jordan (Kimberly Elise), a young woman who grows up in an environment of abuse and molestation by the hands of her mother’s boyfriend Reggie (Clifton Powell); while her mother Cassie (Loretta Devine) looks the other way. These circumstances lead young Michelle into the dark abyss of drugs, prostitution and prison.
While incarcerated, Michelle sends Bishop Jakes (Bishop T.D. Jakes, playing himself) a letter seeking a visit. With the prodding of her mother, Jakes visits Michelle and through a series of flashbacks he uncovers the dark past that has lead to Michelle’s drug abuse, association with abusive men and finally murder. Jakes talks to the warden and is successful in getting Michelle an early furlough with one stipulation, that she attends Bishop Jakes’ upcoming three-day revival. When Michelle, now a hardened inmate, is released from prison she opts to stay at a halfway house rather than be under the same roof as Reggie. Still bitter and distrusting of the church community, her mother in particular, Michelle is forced to do some soul-searching that takes her on a journey to recovery and resolve.
While out on furlough, Michelle runs into a colorful bunch of past suitors, friends, and family members each who’ve played a part in defining the Michelle of today. At the halfway house, Michelle reunites with her childhood friend and ex-strip club co-worker Nicole (Idalis Deleon). Nicole has waged her own battle with drugs and wild living. In the halfway house the two rekindle their friendship and give one another much needed support. Twana (Debbi Morgan) is a family friend who had knowledge of Michelle’s childhood abuse and now serves as point of inspiration to Michelle. Also, Michelle reconnects with Todd (Michael Boatman), an old beau, who still loves Michelle and tries to steer her on the right path.
What takes place at the church altar on the final night of the revival closes the chapter on the desolation felt by a young girl two decades prior, heals a relationship between mother and daughter, and ends a destructive relationship that should have stopped years before. Rueben Cannon Productions and Touchdown Productions, Inc. presents the drama Woman Thou Art Loosed starring Kimberly Elise (John Q, Beloved, Set It Off), Loretta Devine (Boston Public, Kingdom Come, I Am Sam, Waiting to Exhale), Debbie Morgan (Love and Basketball, Eve’s Bayou, Soul Food), Clifton Powell (The Brothers, Friday After Next, Civil Brand), Idalis Deleon (Six Feet Under, Body & Soul), Michael Boatman (Spin City, Arliss) and Bishop T.D. Jakes.
Woman Thou Art Loosed is written by Stan Foster (Hangman’s Curse). The film is directed by Michael Schultz (Boston Public, LA Law: The Movie, Car Wash, Cooley High) and produced by Reuben Cannon (Get On The Bus, Down In The Delta, Dancing In September). This film is co-produced by Tammy Garnes (Biker Boyz, Roots: Celebrating 25 Years, Dancing In September), Stan Foster and Will Griffin. Paul Garnes (Biker Boyz, You Got Served, Playa’s Ball) is line producer. Reinhart “Ray” Peschke (celebrated gaffer of The Rules of Attraction, Son of Sam, Serving Sarah) is the director of photography and Rita McGhee (Biker Boyz, Grown Ups, What’s Love Got To Do With It) rounds out this highly experienced and dedicated crew as the costume designer.
The film is not, overall, a happy film--though there are some funny moments. But Michelle Jordan, the main character, is apparently representative of many young black women today.
We need to pray for our fellow Christians in the urban communities, folks.
God bless T.D. Jakes for taking a chance and bringing a message of hope to those who need it in his world.
If I had to find a criticism of the film, I would say the Gospel is only presented in a round-about way. Though Jakes' character is truly a man of God ministering to a lost woman.
I'd like to know if anyone else has seen the film, and what they think.
True, please pass this along to others on the Black/African American issues ping list, if you can....I'd love some feedback if your members have seen it.
Thought perhaps you pass this along to your black Conservative ping list?
I'm looking to meet some loosed women.
It ain't me, babe! LOL.
Jakes is the new-age/herectic equivalent of Oprah Winfrey to evangelicalism.
Sounds like a Chick tract come to life..
Definitely worth a look if it comes to your town, though I expect it has limited distribution since it is being marketed to African-Americans, mainly. Otherwise, rent it when it goes to video.
It is a compelling story, and a good movie with fine performances. I would not call it uplifting, though; rather it is disturbing (rape, pseudo-incest, gun violence in a church) and thought-provoking. You have to work pretty hard to find the positive message, IMHO.
In my opinion, T.D. Jakes has a wonderful ministry, and his church has been visited by President Bush on at least one occasion re: faith based initiatives.
The book "Woman, Thou Art Loosed" is certainly applicable to women of all races, and is worth a look by all.
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