La marche de l'espoir

Queen Latifah is truly outstanding on this biopic about a former drug addict who becomes HIV+ and now devotes her life to helping others avoid or deal with the disease.

But, it is not just the social work that is compelling, it is the fact that even social workers have real lives that intersect with and compete with their duties.

We feel Ana's pain as she tries to convince her sisters in the community to deal realistically with the AIDS epidemic that is the leading cause of death for black women between 24-35. At the same time, she is dealing with a husband that infected her when they were both crack addicts. She is also trying to raise a young daughter, while trying to reconnect with a daughter she lost during her drug-use period. It's almost more than a normal person can handle, and seemingly impossible for a reformed drug-user.

Queen Latifah is assisted by a great cast that includes Wendell Pierce (Ray, "The Wire), Gloria Reuben ("ER"), and newcomer Rachel Nicks.

This film is beyond excellent. Where do I start? First, , the acting by all involved including the minor parts is brilliant. Queen Latifah is truly royal; Ross, Smith, and Pierce are equally brilliant; however, Pierce's role as the husband matches Latifah's performance punch for punch. A special shout out to Tracee Ellis Ross whose small role was handled brilliantly.

Second, the movie itself feel like a home movie. It is no small wonder it is based on the life of "Ana" a real life heroin addict whose life unfolds in front of us. The movies use of NYC locations was a smart move by all involved. The music used is really good. The dreariness of the city holds up like a toxic killer that is HIV.

Third, the topic of HIV amongst the forgotten community: blacks in America is a long time coming. Nowadays, HIV is huge among African American in our inner cities.

The movie finely address the "invisible" population and gives them names and faces.

I wholeheartedly recommend this film for anyone who wants to see what brilliant acting, plot line, and heart-wrenching choices people make...even if they are wrong.

Life Support takes a frank and interesting look at the AIDS epidemic and its effect on African-American women and other people in the United States today. The plot moves along well and the acting is very convincing; Queen Latifah leads a fine cast and the cinematography is excellent. Life Support truly proves that Queen Latifah can not only handle a serious dramatic role--she can truly make it into a tour de force. How can ANYONE not relate to this movie ?? Awesome story , Impressive acting by Queen Latifah along with 2 of Diana Ross's children . Tried to hold back tears on this one !! A must have for your collection !!

In Brooklyn, New York, the former crack addicted Ana Wallace (Queen Latifah) is HIV positive and is a volunteer in the Life Support, an organization that promotes a fight against AIDS in the Afro-American community. Ana wanders through the streets handing out condoms and helping people with AIDS through lectures and advices. She lives with her mate Slick (Wendell Pierce), who has transmitted AIDS to her, and their little daughter Kim (Rayelle Parker). She has lost the custody of her older daughter Kelly (Rachel Nicks) that lives with her estranged mother Lucille (Anna Deavere Smith).

When Kelly's childhood gay friend Amare (Evan Ross), who is sick and rejected by his sister Tanya (Tracee Ellis Ross), vanishes on the streets of Brooklyn, Ana seeks him out and tries to save him. Meanwhile Lucille decides to move to Virginia with Kelly, and Ana reflects about her life and the relationship with Kelly.

"Life Support" is a wonderful tribute to life inspired in the true story of a black woman that has overcome her addiction to crack and has become an activist in her community of an organization called Life Support. Despite being a sad story, the message transmitted by this little film is tremendously positive and uplifting. The Afro-American actors and actresses have magnificent performances and Queen Latifah shines in the role of Ana Wallace. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Juntos pela Vida" ("Together for Life")

A very good film showing the life of a former drug user who works for an outreach program for women with HIV.

Queen Latifah, a very fine actress, is well suited for the part of Annie.

What makes this film so good is that there is little violence. All the characters give meaning to this very endearing film.

Latifah is especially effective in her sessions with other women. There are marvelous supporting performances by the daughter she gave up to her mother. The latter is also quite good.

This is a very compelling story detailing the black experience with regard to home life and personal identifications and self-esteem.

The Brooklyn locations are a joy to see.