sheilahrice2011
I could not believe, knowing the actual personage of Nina Simone that this screenplay was approved. I could not believe that a lawsuit for defamation of character was not filed. The sad and lonely story of Nina Simone who worked so hard to please others and who was given so little for her fight for Civil Rights (through the prejudicial system that refused to sign her due to her stance) and self identity, through abuse, and mental illness and prejudice and misogyny. This film glosses over her struggle and portrays her as a mean-spirited, out of control, spoiled person. It does not explain the racial angst, abuse from her husband, denial of her artistic endeavors, having to settle for commercial entertainment rather than pursuing her real passion as a concert pianist. The angst and betrayal that could have been explored were all left out to show Ms. Simone as a bully and braggart. This movie was criticized for all the wrong things.
farshadtami
This movie is worthwhile watching. If not for its story, at least for Zoe Saldana's magical performance. She is truly a talented woman. So what if the story is from the perspective of Cynthia Mort. Ignore all the negative reviews it has received so far. This movie was very enjoyable.David Oyelowo had a good convincing performance. Although it was a bit odd that he was in a movie that referred to Martin Luther King Jr. We don't see Mr. King in the movie, but he was an important figure in Nina Simone's life.I especially enjoyed the last two scenes in the movie. Very touching and a well prepared climax. Saladan's singing was astonishingly good.
casaverdin
Because, many were personally involved in Miss Simone's life, it is easy to understand their annoyance; however, as a person that appreciates Miss Simone's music, I put her on her own pedestal but; I must, in the other hand, contemplate, in total impartiality of judgment, Miss Zaldana's performance, her singing was extraordinary and deserves to be valued independently. There is no comparison possible, for they are both different performers, and as such, must be valued separately. Perhaps, in relation to the portrayal of the character, there were marked unsubstantiated facts, this belongs to the screenwriters and playwrights or whoever. One must be fair and judge the acting and the singing of the artists.
gpknopp
Nina delivers, with some awesome music. Did it capture Nina's spirit accurately? I don't know, but this film inspired me, unlike most Hollywood tripe these days. It's a simple script about two people who revere each other in an almost supernatural way, sometimes parent/child, sometimes sibling. This is a movie about spiritual struggle and expression of that struggle through music, and is not suitable for children. But it's honest, and whether or not it was true to Nina Simone's spirit, I don't know. But Zoe Saldana is, perhaps, her own elemental force, with a sense for rhythm that is genius and gentle and lots of good things. This movie has some stirring music that is never unpleasant to listen to, and, at times, is a bit sparse. Is the movie true, at least, in it's message that our personal salvation is found in how we love one another? More directly, I thought that this movie directed our attention away from racism towards social taboos against relationships that are none of the above.
AD
