Common Sense Media Review
By Sabrina McFarland
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
In-depth docu about African American cinema; language, sex.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Is That Black Enough for You?!?
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
IS THAT BLACK ENOUGH FOR YOU?!? is a cinematic analysis of African American filmmaking, with a particular focus on the groundbreaking years of 1968-1978. The documentary is narrated and written by film historian and first-time director Elvis Mitchell. Is That Black Enough for You?!? also features archival footage, photos, and firsthand interviews with actors who include Whoopi Goldberg, Laurence Fishburne, and Zendaya.
Is It Any Good?
Filmmaker Elvis Mitchell shares a powerful personal study of Black cinema, which includes its role in the life of a then-aspiring actor. "As a little girl, all I saw in the movies were people that didn't look like me," recalls Margaret Avery (The Color Purple) in Is That Black Enough for You?!?. "So, I didn't really believe that I could ever become an actress until I saw Harry Belafonte and Dorothy Dandridge in Carmen Jones." And notes Laurence Fishburne (Black-ish), these films "in addition to being a repository of hope, they were empirical proof that we were here, that we exist, that we create culture, that our community is a viable community."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the teamwork of the cast in Is That Black Enough for You?!?. How do they also demonstrate communication, courage, and perseverance? Why are these important character strengths?
Zendaya and other actors speak about the importance of diversity in the film industry. What are the possible benefits of inclusive representation?
The 1968 film Uptight is considered the first Blaxploitation motion picture. What do you think about this movie genre?
Soundtracks were an innovative way to promote 1970s Black films before theatrical release. What do you think about this type of publicity and the relevance of music's role in movies today?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 11, 2022
- Cast : Laurence Fishburne , Whoopi Goldberg , Zendaya
- Director : Elvis Mitchell
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Director(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Multiracial Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Activism , History
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 135 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : nudity, some sexual content, language, violence and drug material
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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