Mo' Better Blues (1990)

Synopsis: Spike Lee ventures into the world of jazz music with this stylish romantic drama. Forced by his mother to study the trumpet, Bleek Gilliam (Denzel Washington) has grown up to become the leader of a... Spike Lee ventures into the world of jazz music with this stylish romantic drama. Forced by his mother to study the trumpet, Bleek Gilliam (Denzel Washington) has grown up to become the leader of a successful jazz quintet. Managed by his inept friend, Giant (Lee), Bleek clashes with fellow band member Shadow Henderson (Wesley Snipes). Making matters worse is Bleek's romantic situation: trying to balance two different women at the same time--schoolteacher Indigo Downes (Joie Lee) and aspiring singer Clarke Bentancourt (Cynda Williams). In a hysterical moment, the line is blurred when, while making love, Bleek calls each woman by the other's name. As he struggles to keep the quintet alive and flourishing, he must decide once and for all what it is he really wants: Indigo, Clarke, or his trumpet. The son of jazz musician Bill Lee, who contributes music to the film, Lee has written a script that crackles with witty behind-the-scenes banter that feels natural and fresh. Ernest R. Dickerson's camera moves at an even brisker pace than in other Lee films, which compliments the bouncy soundtrack, making MO' BETTER BLUES an entertaining ride. [More]

Starring: Denzel Washington, Joie Lee, Cynda Williams, Spike Lee

Starring: Denzel Washington, Joie Lee, Cynda Williams, Spike Lee, Wesley Snipes, Giancarlo Esposito, Robin Harris, Bill Nunn, John Turturro, Dick Anthony Williams

Director: Spike Lee

Director: Spike Lee

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