First Date

Original title: Southside with You

IMDb RATING

6.3/10

10K

YOUR RATING

Tika Sumpter and Parker Sawyers in First Date (2016)

Chronicles the summer 1989 afternoon when the future President of the United States of America, Barack Obama, wooed his future First Lady on an epic first date across Chicago's South Side.

Play trailer2:31

13 Videos

64 Photos

Biography Drama History Romance

Barack Obama, a freshman at Harvard Law School, gets a job at a Chicago law firm under the orders of young Michelle Robinson. After some reluctance, Michelle accepts Obama's invitation for a... Read allBarack Obama, a freshman at Harvard Law School, gets a job at a Chicago law firm under the orders of young Michelle Robinson. After some reluctance, Michelle accepts Obama's invitation for a trip that will change her life.Barack Obama, a freshman at Harvard Law School, gets a job at a Chicago law firm under the orders of young Michelle Robinson. After some reluctance, Michelle accepts Obama's invitation for a trip that will change her life.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.3/10

10K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 3 wins & 12 nominations total

Videos13

Photos64

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
According to director Richard Tanne, all of the main events of the film did actually occur on the Obama's first date with the exception of the community meeting which happened at a later date.

Goofs
The Obamas actually ate lunch on their first date beside the fountain at the Art Institute of Chicago and not in a park as depicted in the movie.

Quotes
Michelle Robinson: This is not a date. How's it gonna look if I start dating the first cute black guy who walks through the firm's doors? It would be tacky
Barack Obama: You think I'm cute?
Michelle Robinson: I didn't say that.

Crazy credits
The paintings that Barack & Michelle saw are shown during the end credits.

Connections
Featured in Late Night with Seth Meyers: Michael Moore/Tika Sumpter/Troye Sivan/Allison Miller (2016)

Soundtracks
Start
Written by John Legend (as John Stephens)
Performed by John Legend
John Legend appears courtesy of GOOD/Columbia Records
Recorded at Sunset Sound by Geoff Neal

User reviews53

Featured review

8/10

Better Than Expected

I saw this film yesterday and I was pleasantly surprised. I thought the actors captured the essence of the Obamas wonderfully; what they may have lacked in appearance they certainly had in spirit.

The movie that kept popping into my head while watching Southside With You was My Dinner with Andre. Now some may find that a stretch but really it's not. It's been a long time since I've watch two adults on screen having a conversation for ninety minutes. I found the conversation interesting and compelling. (The other movie that comes to mind is Mind Walk)

A lot of folks will skip this film because it lacks over-the-top drama, action and violence. This movie is for a mature audience but for different reasons. It is insightful and intelligent and you'll be glad that you saw if indeed you do.