superb edit and outstanding acting and especially by epatha merkerson and and highly enjoyable musical soundtrack . this film reach back to the 40 to comment on the racial lifestyle difference and some effect of desegregation while it weave the true story of a truly admirable and fantastic lady . the actor portray the young terrence howard character do a wonderful job reflect the life and time of his upbringing in the small upstate new york town . the audience laugh and cry and and erupt in applause for the film and it director . soon to be show on hbo ( feb 7 and i believe ) fire up the tivo and enjoy a great story .