Chasing Secrets (1999)

Chasing Secrets

I don't know why I waited so long to see this movie. It is a 5 star. My husband and I both cried and laughed. Acting was superb and it was very well done.
Buy it-you will NOT be sorry! May 2, 2008

Very Endearing Movie

This movie was truly heartwarming and endearing. I watched 3x's, i grew up in the south, so I'm familiar with the issues in this movie. Love is a conquering force, overcome evil with good, such a powerful and positive message of what love can do. February 4, 2008

An Excellent Portrayal of Genuine Love for the Unloved.

There are three aspects of this movie that are outstanding. The first is the portrayal of an unwanted, hurting child. Newborn JoAnn was 'thrown away' by her hard-boiled grandfather, only to be returned in a basket. So, she grew up in a very dysfunctional family, unwanted and unloved. Anyone who has a heart for children will find that heart hurting, have a lump in their troat and maybe a tear in their eye for JoAnn ,

The second outstanding feature of this movie is the loving portrayal of the black family. In so many movies, African Americans are depicted as little more than gangland thugs, or some other negative portrayal. In political life, if they don't tow the Liberal black line they are often derisively called 'Uncle Toms.' Yet, in this movie we see the sweetest and most loving of people, the way millions of ordinary black families really are. They aren't criminals; they aren't crusaders still angry that their ancesters were slaves; this family is one who sees a hurting little 'white trash' girl who responds to their love, and they grow to love her as their own daughter, and she loves them with all her heart.

Finally, it is clear from the story that this elderly couple's love for JoAnn comes out of their love for the Lord. No, it isn't in the least bit preachy or offensive. It's just the way they are, almost instinctively letting the Holy Spirit within them extend His love to a frightened little girl. They are His instruments of love.

This movie may be very hard to find once this issue of it has sold out, so I would suggest getting a copy immediately. If it has sold out, it is certainly well worth searching for, even buying a used copy. If you like movies that will leave you both thouched and inspired, this certainly is a movie for you. January 2, 2008

A Heartwarming Movie of possibilities

Who would think that a successful writer would get her start from two elderly black surrogate parents? Chasing Secrets is the type of movie that tears at your heartstrings. Della Reese is excellent as "Honey" a woman who has lost her own child and she takes in this abused white girl who is forced, by her abusive grandfather to do things no 14 year old should have to face. Ossie Davis is his usual loveable character and plays well opposite Della Reese. Crystal Bernard's character is also played well, as the misguided young mother. Get your tissue box out as this movie packs a powerful punch. It's a great movie about possibilities.
August 14, 2007

Excellent movie in this day & age

In this day and age when there are so many angry young youths and spoiled rotten youths this movie can help bring into focus what is important and also help to show the youth that their hardships are not as great as they may seem. The movie is set in the depression era in rural Tennessee before civil rights. It shows racism and the hardships faced by a poor uneducated white family and a poor black family. Lack of food and education are central as well as domestic violence and prostition although the prostition part is tastefully depicted and should not upset or concern younger children. Whether or not you have faced these hardships yourself you should be able to relate to the characters and their problems and feel their pain. This is a wonderfully directed movie with a rich landscape of authenticity. I highly recommend this movie for anyone with a heart and those who are searching for one. July 24, 2007

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