Don't listen to the negative reviews

best movie i've ever seen.

if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

I've seen this wonderful movie several times and can honestly say this;The movie itself is dramatic,funny,moving,exciting,and intriguing.Needless to say that the sets are great,the women gorgeous and the music quite good.I also applaud the entire cast on such memorable acting performances.The movie,written by Keenen Ivory Wayans and Robert Townsend(who is also the Director)has at its base a universal message it emits that is really the essence of the film.The message is that:No matter what happens in life,ups and downs,good or bad,gains or losses-we must lift ourselves through it and keep on pushing for the better,no matter what.Just like in the song feature-"No matter how hard it gets,we haven't finished yet". I can say without a doubt that this movie took me through just about every basic human emotion possible in its 120 minute cycle.I laughed,cried,cheered,despaired,danced and even reminisced(Since I'm an old Motown era fan from back in the day).No other movie has ever taken me on such a complete ride of emotions to say the least.That in itself makes the movie compellingly realistic.It's loaded with treats and surprises for everyone-for instance once the Heartbeats get there first hit song played on the radio/The group and family members are all asleep.The song comes on the radio for the first time.Someone is awakened thinking another member of the group is belting out notes,telling him to hush as others react the same.Then as they find out that none of the group is singing,they are suddenly surprised and excited to hear their first hit song playing on the radio.What an awesome jubilant moment in which all present wake up,screaming,cheering,dancing,and celebrating,all in their pajamas,robes,nightgowns and sleeping caps.Robert Townsend used his comedic skill to really spice up lots of other fun scenes in the movie.Almost everyone who I know who saw the movie liked it,and I personally think it has become a classic work in its own right.Sadly this film was certainly overlooked for(I think well-deserved)recognition for major awards such as Oscar nominations for"Best Picture",as well as an acting nomination for Micheal Wright as the mercurial Eddie King Jr.,the original lead singer of"The Five Heartbeats".In my opinion,this movie is a great ride for people of practically all ages(R rating withstanding of course),as well as all races,genders,and backgrounds.At my age of 50,I proudly see that the movie has successfully broken into the interests of our current"Hip-Hop music generation" although the movie is based on an Old-School singing group/hats off to the excellent production of the songs in the movie too.It's one of those movies that make an ideal collector to pop-in the machine on a rainy day or to just put in when friends drop by."The Five Heartbeats"is a movie I recommend to all those movie lovers who like a good story.

Coming from a highly musical family, and knowing the struggle and hardships that abound, I have to agree with the clichés and other trappings of fame that this film has to offer. It is a slice of the American Pie, that no one seems to want to believe. There are other movies about African-American actors, musicians and entertainers, that show the same scenarios of racism. Dorothy Dandridge really did have to use the bathroom in a Dixie cup, and when she stuck her toe in the pool they drained it and cleaned it. People like Big Red did, and do, exist. There were people who were hung upside down from the balcony, because they demanded to be let out of loan shark type contracts, or demanded to see the books. It still goes on today. To say that this movie just shows the racist, drug addicted side of the music industry is just inaccurate. This movie is one group's struggle. The movie is based not only on The Dells, but on the experiences of many of the groups in that era. Look at the Frankie Lymon Story. It seems too outlandish to be true, but it is a true story, and that is just part of life.I have the stories from my father being on the road with various bands in the 50's and 60's, and there are some things that go on, on the road that can only be understood if you have been on the road. My mother has told me about the late night parties at the studios in the 60's and 70's, and some of the crazy things that happened, and again, only if you have been there, can you understand what happens after hours behind closed doors.I personally have been on the road, and I have been in the studio, late, recording. There is an energy that happens that cannot be explained. Some people can handle it, others cannot. This movie depicts both. I have known people like all of the characters in this movie, and the portrayals are accurate. Yeah, "Can't nobody Sing, Like Eddie King", but at the same time could you keep the show going, being that high? This movie shows the ups ad the downs. It isn't all gravy. It is life. I thank Robert Townsend for this accurate, at times gritty, dirty, beautiful portrayal, of friendship, talent, commitment, and love. It reminds me of my father and his brothers, my mother and me. It's life.

The Five Heartbeats was a real, honest, remarkable film. It was packed with emotion. Well acted by all involved. A must see to appreciate! The portrayals on the members in the group were believable. It is my understanding that this is a story based upon the popular singing group, "The Dells". I don't know how true it is. I feel that Robert Townsend not only acted well in this film but, he did a fantastic job in directing it, too. To me, it's one of if not the best piece of work that he has done. I also enjoyed his film, "The Hollywood Shuffle" but the Five Heartbeats is my overall favorite. Kudos to Mr. Townsend for a job well done and may we say his greatest works are yet to come. Thank you Mr. Townsend and I hope to meet you one day!

This film was fun to watch except for a couple of things. First, the attempt to pretend as though White record producers wanted to substitute a White group in place of the Five Heartbeats was utterly retarded.Secondly, the attempt to pretend as if they were subject to racism when in fact Black music groups were a hugely popular in the '60's, is pathetic.The film traces a group which appears to be based upon the Dells. The group has its' highs and lows. You'll notice a number of cliches throughout the film. This causes the film to slow down in a number of places. The running time could have been shorter with better editing.My advice is watch the film but ignore the overt attempts to create racist feelings.