#lovejones

Love Jones (1997)

Aug 18

Nia Long & Larenz Tate in Love Jones (1997)

One of these romantic movies has to go. Which one would you choose?

The Best Man

Jason's Lyric

Love Jones

Refugee Camp All Stars - The Sweetest Thing ft. Lauryn Hill

When we talk classics we automatically think of 'Love Jones’ A 1997 film directed by Theodore Witcher. a story of a two individuals taking a leap of faith on love, chemistry and poetry.

Before we get into this conversation perhaps I want you to imagine this... think of a movie that you could resonate with do you remember the feeling you had when you watched it? if you don’t remember that’s okay I’m sure by the end of this you’d remember something!

Now if you are the person that remembers the feeling then you already understand why I feel that ‘Love Jones’ is quite the ideal catch of a classic.

I assume we all have seen movies that might’ve impacted us in some way, shape, or form. There’s something about Black cinema that has me in a chokehold; I absolutely love how certain stories make me feel!

When it comes to story development and the chemistry of characters I am definitely a sucker for it! Like most people I love to collect, some collect cars, many might collect magazines, pictures, board games, anything that might be of value in my case, I collect movies not just any movies, but movies that are so good that I tend to watch them over and over again while finding enjoyment as I allow myself to explore each character and get lost in their journey as if I’m an invisible character being lead through a time capsule and feeling all the feels. okay wait maybe a time capsule is just a little to much... or is it? hold on, let me explain.

Have you ever watched a movie and by the time it was over you had no clue as to what the movie was about? How about chemistry between two characters? I know I am not the only one that can relate to watching a movie and having no idea of what caused a connection between two characters.

as for LOVE JONES there’s a totally different dynamic that has happened to prove itself time- and time again!

Nina (Played by actress Nia Long ) is a urban photographer that finds herself in the place of a rock in a hard place, she is focused on chasing her dream while being in a unsatisfying position in her current relationship with her boyfriend. To me, Nina is most definitely an empathic source character that has a vision of where she wants to go but also in a position in her life where she questions herself in a way.

Darius Lovehall

Darius Lovehall (Played by Larenz Tate) an aspiring writer who has a sense of sexiness and charm to him, Not only is he a writer but he enjoys poetry and faithfully participate in poetry at a local lounge in the city with his friends that shortly introducing the two character to one another. Darius may have the looks and the charm but he holds a bit of toxicity to him in a way we don’t quite expect as the movie progresses .

I loved how the two characters were created to create different atmospheres to get a feel of both dynamics, I felt invited as well as anxious to meet these characters. it instantly put me in the mood to know more about who they were as individuals and how their two worlds would cross paths or even resonate with one another. don’t get me wrong their attractive appearance on-screen definitely made it believable but I wanted more and NEEDED more and the director did an amazing job finding ways to develop these two characters individually before bringing them together.

Some people may put Nina and Darius in the box of being “too cheesy” and/or find it to be the These two characters has so much passion within throughout the movie that takes you through their journey. I loved how the approach between these two were different than your typical movie aspect where boy meets girl, girl like boy and they live happily ever after. in this case the scenarios differs and I love it.

although, Darius shot his shot at Nina through a seductive poem the night at poetry spot you could tell that she was flattered but remained calm. she understood where he was going with it and passed however, without making it too obvious she allowed him to be the man. she gave off the vibes along the lines of “ you want it then work for it!” and we understood that Darius wasn’t going to give up easy.

Darius was quite the charmer but not only did he use it to his advantage but he was determined to see Nina for who she was he use the method by any means necessary . These two immediately understood one another without words but through eye-contact and through their connection through each other vibes as if they knew that they were meant to be.

The film does a great job at using conflict to bring out the constant scarifies these two individuals had to endure. Nina decided to go trough with taking a job in New York where she knew that challenges lied ahead. she face the fact that in order to follow her dreams she had to take a risk. yeah down the line it was a bit of deception when it came to her ex but she was still on a journey of understanding as well as finding a deeper meaning of what her love required. the quest was a little bigger she was facing a challenge and she was determined for a requirement.

Darius knew that he loved Nina but also dealt with inner challenges trying to understand love while also figuring out his true outcome although he had friends in his corner he seemed to find a way to ask for advice but also knew that the relationship he had with Nina would come with a bigger challenge than what he expected in the very beginning. In fact, he’s a writer but he was also a lover that dealt with inner playboy tactics through his journey he had to realize his actions cause great conflict into the relationship he seemed unsure on the path.

I loved how the story took the idea of making these characters relatable but a bit difficult. the moment you thought you knew what these two characters would do they turned around and did the complete opposite. through the movie you might question their decisions but later understand that the route they took was necessary and great way to get the point across without dragging. in relationships there’s some type of sacrifice between you and your partner that may break each other or bring you two closer together and I feel love jones did a great job by allowing us to see the flexibility of these two characters and allowing them to share their love, fears, as well as vulnerability!

When it comes to love, I am here for It all honey! Beyond the physical there’s nothing like a connection that’s filled with communication, laughs, friendship, and the ability allow one another the space to grow as individuals.

There’s nothing more sexier than a secure/ respectful man knowing what he wants and able to establish that by not only taking charge but allowing his woman to live in her femininity!

A queen that can handle a career, love life, and still remaining a fierce woman while allowing yourself to accept and acknowledge that you are enough is a strength in itself. sure, We are in the era of “black love” and “couple goals” but I love the approach The film took in showing the importance of black love.

The film gave such a tasteful spill on relationships and the importance of making it work no matter the situation or the circumstances the good out weighted the bad and love conquered all.

Often times you find that people choose to leave a relationship without experiencing all parts of the relationship once it feels hard or a bit of an inconvenience the individual(s) decide on giving up instead of working it out.

Through these two characters we were brought along on their journey where we felt all of the feels of their relationship. some of us may’ve seen a reflection of ourselves through these two. ( Please notice I said “SOME” chill if you didn’t it is okay no judgement here!)

Darius and Nina related through poetry and photography, and used it in the most unique way. Nina studied couples while capturing the natural essence of how she felt in her heart and allowed it to show through her photography and it reflected in her love life with Darius. Nina took time to understand and reflect on her own needs, wants, and insecurities and allowed space for growth.

Darius greatest power was his words, he was smooth yet intentional on what he wanted. yes, it cost him a few things and may’ve taught him a lesson or two about true communication and commitment but in the end he prevailed.

5. impactful for Generations to come

Have you been on TikTok and seen sounds trending? how about when you are scrolling on your phone and you randomly see a photo of Nia long or Larenz Tate and automatically assume these two are actually a couple. which is hilarious because deep down we all know that they have two separately different lives but the chemistry is so strong that it is almost hard to accept the fact that they aren’t together in real life!

When we name movies today LOVE JONES is still mentioned 25 years later. Most look to Romeo and Juliet when explaining love stories but me on the other hand, I reference to Nina and Darius.

The film is a classic because it is an original body of work that brings a sense of hope and makes you excited about being in love. Although, the film came out in 1997, we are in 2023 where the new generation are seeing love jones for the very first time and rediscovering a love story that is timeless.

Blogger: DESTINY HUNTER

IG: D_JASMINETHEOFFICIAL