To Sleep with Anger (1990)

Danny Glover plays the mysterious Harry Mention, a charming trickster who invades the life of a family and who claims to have (and may very well have) a connection to dark powers. In any case, his presence sows dissent among a patriarch (Paul Butler) and his offspring, the latter more interested in the legacy of mystical wisdom Harry may represent. Based on stories of superstition he heard in youth, writer-director Charles Burnett's film is a fine and funny accomplishment that intersects dream time and linear time, and it has the heart of a folk tale. Glover and Butler are very good, their characters locked in knowing rivalry. --Tom Keogh Amazon.com

SLEPT ON

To Sleep With Anger was slept on. Outstanding performances by Danny Glover, Paul Butler and Mary Alice. A grown folks film for intelligent grown folk. Recommended by the Doc. April 24, 2008

A captivating movie

This is a fascinating, in some instances even strange, movie, filled with nuance and dark overtones. A menacing man (Danny Glover) "with a past" shows up one day to the home of a solidly middle-class black family. They'd known each other thirty years before in the deep South - country folks. We're never sure what Glover is up to, but he begins to "lead astray" the younger son of the family: he begins to give the boy an identity he's never had - he has always felt emasculated in his parent's eyes. Glover gives him a chance to stand on his own for a while. The movie gets a grip on us and really holds us captive, but I felt a bit disappointed at the end because I kept expecting a major emotional explosion to occur and it never happens: Glover dies and his spirit, it seems, is magically infused into all the other people. The movie is a standout because of the strong performances of all the principal actors and an interesting script. Worth checking out. March 15, 2006

Old School Movie

To Sleep with Anger was a 'sleeper' that went by un-noticed and did not receive much recognition. It is one of my favorite movies because it is so subtle without getting too deep.
This movie has many understated nuances that could have been explored a little bit more,and this is what makes the movie special.
It leaves the viewer to draw their own conclusions about the character of Harry (Danny Glover). On the surface he is smooth & charming,and seems innocent enough. One wonders if it is his ill-intentions that creates szhism & discord,chaos and confusion in his interactions with others?
The movie takes a diversion which helps to create the suprising ending. This movie may appear a little dated;and it does send out a message that is so appropo for those who have ever dealt with rift-raft.
Check out this movie for Old School performance with down south sensibilities.
A charmer.
December 8, 2004

"To Sleep With Anger"

This is the best movie that Danny Glover made, it shows that when things are going well, something or someone that you open your home or life to will bring evil into your home. Never go to sleep in or on anger. September 23, 2004

Stellar performance

This was overall great performance by some really fantastic veterans of the stage. A good wholesome down home treat with emphasis on family with a little spice from Danny Glover. November 5, 2003

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