Eve's Bayou
User Score
8.3 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9

Review this movie

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. KennedyB.
    Jun 6, 2006
    10
    Eve's Bayou received no Oscar nominations, yet it is one of the finest motion pictures of 1997 -- a fully realized production from the screenplay and direction to the acting and cinematography.
    [***SPOILERS***] It depicts a prosperous black family in early '60s Louisiana. The father and husband (Samuel L. Jackson) is a physician who philanders yet dearly loves his children. Wh    en a wedge of suspicion comes between them, events proceed toward a tragedy that may even have supernatural implications. This is one of the few black films in recent memory without a whiff of racism in the air. In part, that's because the world it depicts is wholly black, while the situations are timeless and universal. The cast is superb, from Jackson as the life-loving and sometimes misunderstood patriarch to Lynn Whitfield as his fearful wife and Meagan Good as his willful eldest daughter. The point-of-view character is Eve, the youngest daughter, played with heartbreaking fervor by Jurnee Smollett. Also strong in support is Debbi Morgan, as Jackson's sister. But the most credit should go to Kasi Lemmons, a relatively unknown actress who shows a rare artistry in her writing and directing debut. Trust us: She makes Good Will Hunting's Ben Affleck and Matt Damon look like amateurs -- and they were Oscar-nominated.… Expand
  2. BrianI.
    Feb 2, 2009
    10
    Kudos to Kasi Lemmons, as she has created one of the finest African-American films of all time. Although this film features an all black cast, this is a universal story. The screenplay and direction were spectacular, and the acting was first-rate. We NEED more African-American films as complex and well-made as this feature.
  3. Lakendrea
    Oct 17, 2006
    10
    The best black family representation!!
  4. LanaS.
    Oct 13, 2008
    10
    Well crafted, yet overlooked, film with an amazing ensemble cast.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    100
    All of these moments unfold in a film of astonishing maturity and confidence; Eve's Bayou, one of the very best films of the year, is the debut of its writer and director, Kasi Lemmons.
    Read full review
  2. ReelViews
    Reviewed by: James Berardinelli
    75
    Rather than perpetuating racial stereotypes, Eve's Bayou defies them, creating several well-rounded characters and placing them in a deceptively complex story that builds to a forceful conclusion.
    Read full review
  3. Salon.com
    Reviewed by: Cynthia Joyce
    90
    Eve's Bayou treads across a fragile and complex emotional landscape, and Lemmons is exceptionally adept at creating characters who are simultaneously despicable and lovable.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »