Ritual (2000) User Reviews

The worst movie in the history of all movie

[justinsgrose · 1/10 · 4 February 2007]

How is this movie not rated. It has lots of profanity, nudity, and sex. The story makes NOOOO sense! This movie gets a thumbs down! i did not like this movie. It did not portray blacks in a good light. It is by Gotham Entertainment and the Raslan Company of America present Ritual, a powerful psychological drama written and directed by Stanley Bennett Clay, based on his award-winning stage play. "RITUAL" stars Clarence Williams III (The General's Daughter), Denise Nicholas (CBS-TV In The Heat of the Night), Angelle Brooks (The VIPs), and Shawn Michael Howard (Above the Rim). Leon Becker (Clarence Williams III) is a successful and wealthy Malibu attorney and the patriarch of a seemingly perfect and harmonious family. Leon sees his brood not only as the pinnacle of personal achievement, but also as an example to all that the great American Dream is attainable, even if you are Black. But underneath the surface, the Beckers are a family in crisis. Leon is completely oblivious to the trials and tribulations that exist in his home and is equally detached from his ethnic soul. Wife and mother Sylvia (Nicholas) is on the verge of alcoholism and is threatened by her daughter Teresa (Brooks), a cunning "Electra" who seems to want to replace her in the house and, perhaps, the bedroom. And Becker's brooding son Mason (Howard) drops out of his Ivy League school and returns home to confront his family's problems. Yet, all these trials-by fire are the challenges along the path to survival for this American family. Cast: Clarence Williams III, Denise Nicholas, Angelle Brooks and Shawn Michael Howard, but it did not!

One of the best acting ensembles ever....ever. SB nominated for an Oscar

[cwagfour · 10/10 · 8 February 2014]

Clarence Williams III is the patriarch of a dysfunctional upper-class Black family. His son (Shawn Michael Howard)is away to college while his daughter (Angelle Brooks, played to perfection) attends a local college. His wife (Denise Nicholas)is a former opera singer and they live in a to-die-for palatial home. Not too much is provided from a historical perspective either at the start or even during the movie. But we can guess. I don't believe the movie ever had a theatrical release, which may account for it's scarce viewership. But the father is upset because his son returns home in the middle of the semester. This sets up the beginning of the family tensions that build up throughout the movie. Specifically, Denise has begun to drink heavily; it is no secret that the son is homosexual; there is a deep dislike between the siblings; the father is unsuccessful in his attempt to return his son to college while his son is determined to "fix" his family for which he claims "there is a lot wrong". The acting is absolutely phenomenal. There is an explosive scene that reveals the underlying cause of the tension that has been building for years. It is one that strikes many families, to some extent. Why have you not heard of such an excellent movie? I will venture to say because of one scene. If the editors had the presence of mind to delete it, Ritual would have been nominated for: Best Film; Best Acting Ensemble; Best supporting Actress and Best Actor on at least one award list. But, it is an adult firm for adults. Can't find it? Netflix has it. Do yourself a favor..get it..and invite your (open minded) friends over, see it and be prepared to discuss it for hours. You'll be glad you did.

Hidden jewel

[demarcusfielding · 10/10 · 7 October 2022]

Absolutely agree the acting in this movie is off the charts, its sad it never got the recognition it deserves because people never heard of it. One of my favorite movies. Could not have picked a better cast, give it a chance you will not be disapointed. This is the way acting should be done the mannerisms, facial expressions, all of the acting from the whole family is spot on.i believe if this movie would have gotten more exposure the whole cast would have recieved awards for their craft being put on display in its rawest and purest form its so real and vivid that you forget you're watching art.