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Lesson Before Love

Where to Watch Lesson Before Love

NR
2011

"Lesson Before Love" is a stirring and intimate independent film released in 2011 that explores the complexities of love, relationships, dreams, and career aspirations of four young African-American professionals. Directed by Dui Jarrod, the film stars Kenneth Brown Jr., Shamea Morton, and Peyton Coles, who deliver powerful performances, bringing to life this deep exploration of emotions.

We are first introduced to the character Eric (Kenneth Brown Jr.), a primarily driven and resourceful individual, who is not only hard to read but also challenging to convince. As a budding hedge fund broker in New York, his life revolves around amassing wealth and building a solid career. Despite his dedication to work, Eric is skeptical about love and his emotional walls present a barrier to meaningful relationships.

On the other hand, we have Shamea Morton, who plays Alicia, a young, ambitious lawyer based in New York. Alicia is committed to making a change in the world and firmly believes that her career offers her the stage to make it happen. However, her desire to make a significant difference often pushes romance and interpersonal relationships into the background.

Peyton Coles plays the role of Derrick, a talented and passionate musician living in Kansas City who dreams of making it big. Derrick remains in a quandary, torn between following his passion for music and sticking with his job, which provides him financial security but fails to fulfill his inner longing.

The narrative takes a poignant turn when these three characters cross paths with Jade, a successful author played by Reece Odum. Jade is the embodiment of emotional maturity and depth; a woman who finds joy in small things in life and is a firm believer in love. Her approach towards life and relationships stands in stark contrast to the other characters, inadvertently causing them to question their own beliefs and choices.

"Lesson Before Love" takes its viewers on a journey filled with uncertainty, introspection, growth, and maturity. It presents a realistic view of the struggles faced by today's young professionals in balancing their career ambitions with their personal lives. It intelligently charts the transition of these individuals as they evolve emotionally and take calculated risks to realize their dreams.

The director, Dui Jarrod, achieves a delicate balance in his storytelling by including intrinsically relatable characters and layered narratives that mirror real-life situations. His unflinching representation of love, ambition, and personal growth is beautifully woven into the fabric of the story. By juxtaposing the apparently contrasting ideals of love and ambition, the film invites its audience to introspect and question the hierarchy of their own life priorities.

One of the key strengths of the movie is its dialogue. The script is intelligently written, with razor-sharp lines that inject depth into the characters and place real emotional stakes at the center of the story. The performances by the actors further elevate the narrative, with their portrayals infusing credibility into their characters’ conflicts and complexities. The musical score is another highlight of the film, seamlessly blended with the narrative to produce a most satisfying cinematic experience.

The movie's cinematography is also noteworthy. It captures the diverse landscapes of New York and Kansas City, conveying the difference in the pace and lifestyle of the characters. The distinct visual treatment given to scenes dealing with interpersonal relationships versus those featuring individual introspection contributes to the overall ambiance of the film.

On a deeper level, "Lesson Before Love" is a passionate argument for emotional growth and maturity. It advocates for taking a step back from the rat race to reflect on personal desires and relationships. It encourages the audience to not perceive love and career as competing entities but to strike a balance between the two.

Overall, "Lesson Before Love" is a thoughtful, emotionally resonant film that engages viewers on multiple levels. It's a complex exploration of the human condition, dealing with themes of love, ambition, personal growth, and the difficult decisions that must be made to achieve happiness and fulfillment. This movie's depiction of African-American young professionals offers a refreshing perspective, departing from the typical urban narrative and instead aiming for a deeper exploration of their dreams, desires, and dilemmas. Perfect for those looking for a more profound cinematic experience, "Lesson Before Love" is a film that stays with viewers long after the closing credits roll.

Lesson Before Love is a Drama movie released in 2011. It has a runtime of 107 min. Critics and viewers have rated it moderate reviews, with an IMDb score of 6.5..

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Where can I stream Lesson Before Love movie online? Lesson Before Love is available to watch and stream, buy on demand, download at Tubi TV, Amazon. Some platforms allow you to rent Lesson Before Love for a limited time or purchase the movie for downloading.

6.5/10
Director
Dui Jarrod
Stars
Kenneth Brown Jr., Shamea Morton, Peyton Coles
Genres