Kissed by the Devil

As always with any of M. Legend Brown's films, the story, characters and dialog are immediately intimate and very real.

The acting was extremely solid in this film top to bottom, lead by such established episodic TV veterans as; Shaun Baker, Karen Malina White and Victor Williams. Khadijah Karriem, who played the lead was completely engaging and perfectly cast for the role.

The supporting cast members all brought depth and subtlety to M. Legend's outstanding writing. Cinematography and directing were top notch.

The entire production makes you want to see more. Not only about this story, but any more that M. Legend Brown has to offer. A wonderful filmmaker who's star is rapidly rising.

Very well written piece which is capped off by excellent acting! It will keep you on the edge of your seat to find out what really happened. After viewing the short film it will make you want to know more about the characters and their history. Surprisingly refreshing in these days to have a film like this that speaks deeply to the heart of man through trials and perseverance. Can't wait to see this on the big screen reaching to the masses and speaking up for those who do not have a voice. Mr. Brown has done a great job combining not only the great writing, but with excellent cinematography and great acting... No doubt this will be a film many will speak about for years to come!

At a time when genre-based ethnic films slouch between'unremarkable' and' unwatchable ,' the director M. Legend Brown delivers a short film of great promise. The name of the film is "'Kissed by the Devil" and I attended the premier at the most famous movie theater in Texas. Under the heading of full disclosure,I must reveal that I read the feature length screenplay for this film before seeing the short. So, I understood the intricate plot and rich characterizations. Despite knowing the story arc, I found this film an important work.

"Kissed by the Devil,'stunningly photographed by Michael Ciancio has an almost respiratory quality to it. The film invites you into a journey of a shared secret amongst a family-- a secret where many possess a uneven fragment, but no one can can grasp the whole.

Isn't it secrets and misguided cover-ups that bring most families to the brink of implosion, wreaking intergenerational havoc and unrepentant angst? That has certainly been true in most of the black families I've witnessed-- and, it's been a truth in my own.

Mr. Brown-- who also wrote the screenplay for 'Kissed by the Devil' -- crafts a story around the above premise, allowing it to unfold within a unique set of psychological and emotional boundaries. Oakland Davenport-Hill, played with understatement and texture by Khadijah Karriem, leaves one wanting more. In an especially powerful scene, she nearly coll apes under the weight of the secret, her concern for her ailing brother and the life path she has chosen.

What is most compelling about the film is Brown's commitment to eschew sentimentality. In a genre where filmmakers are tempted to quickly descend into cliché or persistent time worn stereotypes, "Kissed by the Devil' is warm and welcome in its artistic embrace. Kudos to Mr. Brown and his crew for this achievement.

I enjoyed the film especially the surprise at the end, the sacrifice that the father had to make for the child. Only wished the movie was longer so as to give the actors more screen time because I was enjoying them. The leading actress put her soul into the scenes especially the scene at the end when the father is about to get executed. I also really liked the camera work. Everything looked pristine and well done. I commend the director for his vision and the actors for their portrayal of his vision. I also commend everyone who had a hand in the project because these things are not easy to put together, kudos to you all.

M. Legend Brown has created a beautiful piece of work. The acting is superb and the story has depth and meaning. While the short did not do the story justice, having the time to really tell the tale of these two kids managing to survive a horrible event will make for a fantastic film. Developing the story to its full potential will provide viewers with an important tale that will move them to tears. The title of this film part of the mystery of the story. What actually happened that night to wreck these two kids life, is subtly told with sensitivity and tenderness that is surprising given the subject matter. Love is at the core of this drama, and once the secrets are revealed, the surprise is that you feel so much for everyone in the story.