“A Raisin in the Sun” is a playwright written by Lorraine Hansberry, an African American woman, in 1959. The film takes place in Hanberry’s birthplace, Chicago. The cast includes Claudia McNeil as Lena Younger, the mother of Beneatha Younger (Diana Sands) and Walter Younger (Sidney Poitier), and Stephen Perry as Travis Younger, the son of Walter Lee Younger and Ruth Younger (Ruby Dee). “A Raisin in the Sun” is a great family drama that teaches you about the value of family.
Throughout the film, the Youngers tend to struggle while being in a state of poverty. Located in a small, overcrowded apartment located in Chicago’s ghetto. Inside the apartment is the Younger family, struggling to meet their needs with the little money that they do have. The major conflict in this film is the $10,000 life insurance check from the deceased Walter Younger. While Lena thinks the money should be used to buy a house, pay for Betty’s college classes, etc., Walter Lee wants to invest it in order to become a liquor store owner. Their two points of view intensify the conflict in the story.
There are very emotional scenes as it goes deeper into the film. Beneatha wants to become a doctor, a dream which both her family and one of her male friends, George, thinks is a little “out of wack” for an African American female. She still pursues her dream, and, with the $3,000, she could have paid for her classes if it wasn’t for Walter’s bold move that caused them to lose it all. Walter, on the other hand, is obsessed with becoming a liquor store owner. He began to have a drinking problem which influenced his wife’s abortion. He didn’t care about anything but the dream he had for his family. Lastly, Lena, the mother, struggled to try and keep everything(and everyone) together. She encouraged a very strong Christian religion within her household and didn’t let her children talk down on each other. Also, when Walter started talking to Ruth recklessly, Lena stepped in. Throughout the film, Lena was the glue that held the family together no matter what the problem was.
I'd give this drama a rating of three out of five stars. This film reminds me of a show I used to watch with my mom called Good Times. In addition, teaches a valuable lesson. I give it three stars because I wouldn't watch it willingly. I enjoyed watching it in class though I'd prefer watching an action or mystery show.“A Raisin in the Sun” is a great family-based drama. From Walter and Ruth’s argument.. to Betty and Lena’s arguments, the film is full of morals. It teaches us that, even in the roughest times, the family has to stay together and be strong for each other. Money is not more valuable than family, and you have to be proud of who you are, even if you are not your best at the moment