Miss Juneteenth

This is my first review here, and I'm primarily writing because the current rating seems so off to me! I found the story and characters very compelling, and found myself wanting to know more about what happens next after the film ended. The cinematography was beautiful, especially the juxtaposition between pageant pomp and poshness vs small town Texas scenes. The sense of community was portrayed with tenderness and clarity without being too forced or obvious. It's refreshing to see full and flawed characters - but who we still cheer for and want to see succeed. Definitely recommend this film.

7/10 - this entertaining and important film akes for good Juneteenth viewing and gives a spotlight to the culturally significant pageant in a place you might not expect it.

Nicole Beharie shines as an African American mother who wants her teenage duaghter ("Chikaeze") to win the Miss Juneteenth pageant and take advantage of the opportunities she was not able to seize in her own life. Peoples uses a delicate touch to tell this touching mother daughter story, and deserves a lot of praise as a first time director.

Reflecting the lives of many single mothers, with the hand they've been dealt not the one they'd dreamt of, but with no choice but to play it regardless. A mother, who had her child young, perhaps younger than she had wished in her dreams, tries to avoid the same pitfalls for her daughter against overwhelming odds, compounded by poverty, lack of opportunity and poor paternal support (amongst other things) - persevering nonetheless. Genuine and sincere performances support the central character played by Nicole Beharie who is outstanding. A far from uncommon story the world over.

This is just a good, solid character-based story that delivers. The pacing is perfect for this type of narrative, the characters were well developed and realistic, the dialogue spot on. Throw in the true-to-life BBQ pit and it's the right mix to make a good film.