Product Details

• Released on: 2008-01-08
• Rating: R (Restricted)
• Aspect ratio: 1.66:1
• Formats: Dolby, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC, Import
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English, Spanish
• Dimensions: .24 pounds
• Running time: 95 minutes

From Amazon.com
In Our Song, director Jim McKay takes the same concerns as in his debut, Girls Town--friendship, poverty, and suicide--and crafts a superior film. While Girls Town felt like a somewhat privileged look at underprivileged life, Our Song feels as if it were written by the young women themselves: Lanisha (Lift's Kerry Washington), Joy (Anna Simpson), and Maria (Melissa Martinez). In fact, the trio really was involved with Brooklyn marching band the Jackie Robinson Steppers when McKay recruited them to star in this Michael Stipe-produced effort, and the marching sequences in the film provide a rousing counterpoint to the difficulties with which the girls are grappling. When one of the 15-year-olds discovers she's pregnant, already-frayed relationships are strained to the breaking point. Our Song always rings true and is all the more admirable--and affecting--for its refusal to conform to the conventions of most Hollywood teen movies. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Review
Jim McKay's second feature highlighting the travails of young women is much like his first film, the low-key New Jersey drama Girls Town, only this effort is more focused, if less subtle. A mostly empathetic look at a trio of young female teenagers growing up in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, the film lays on its intentions a little too thickly, making it nearly impossible not to be somewhat judgmental toward McKay's representation. But for all the film's flaws, it has a handful of expertly realized scenes of domesticity and a trio of solid performances, especially the marvelously expressive Kerry Washington, whose portrayal is unflinchingly unforced and honest. Additionally, the picture is superbly shot by Jim Denault, whose unerring eye for visual detail is just as accomplished as his admittedly flashier work in films like Nadja and Boys Don't Cry. This film premiered in competition at the 2000 Sundance Film Festival to positive notices, but took over a year to find distribution. ~ Jason Clark, All Movie Guide

On the DVD
"The Making of Our Song" featurette
The Jackie Robinson steppers marching band article
Audio commentary with director Jim McKay
Original theatrical trailer

Customer Reviews

good movie
This movie I seen on cable tv,on starz.It was a good movie about the average life of young teenage girls who like to party,have guys and try their best in school at the same time.I liked the idea of the movie how the girls always try to keep the other up so they could succeed together, thats what true friendships are for.I felt sad that they seemed 2 grow apart in some ways. but its always good to give your friends some space.It sometimes helps build stronger frienships. I also liked how the all of them had jobs, and whatever bad qualities(character)they had it all showed & there was no sugar coating the lives of these young teenagers because none of them were totally innocent & neither are the ones that are out on the streets today... a real good movie to rent ;)

I loved it
With me being 16 I could relate to certin points in the movie I loved it and I thought that It really captured what teens deal with on a day2day bases and If I wasent going throght something that was hit on inthe movie I new someone who was this is the 1st movie that I've seen where the situations where real to me. Id have to say Maria was my fav. character in the movie and all the girls are talented and I really enjoyed the movie.

Not as good as I thought
This movie was not as well acted as i thought it would be. The story line needed more to it and the actor's seemed like they did not know what they were doing. I did not like this movie very much. I thought; as i had seen Kerry Washington in "Save the Last Dance" that the movie would be better as i think that she is a good acctress; however, i was dissapointed.