''Funny Valentines'' is a 1999 American drama film directed by

Julie Dash Julie Ethel Dash (born October 22, 1952) is an American filmmaker, music video and commercial director, author, and website producer. Dash received her Master of Fine Arts, MFA in 1985 at the UCLA Film School and is one of the graduates and filmm ...

and starring

Alfre Woodard Alfre Woodard ( ; born November 8, 1952) is an American actress. Known for portraying strong-willed and dignified roles on stage and screen, she has received various accolades, including four Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and three Scree ...

. It is based on J. California Cooper's short story of the same name. The film was produced by Starz! Pictures and released in selected theatres and later premiered on cable television.

Synopsis

Looking to escape a troubled marriage, a woman returns to her hometown, where she repairs a broken friendship with her cousin and finds true happiness.

Cast

as Joyce May *

Loretta Devine Loretta Devine (born August 21, 1949) is an American actress. She is known for numerous roles across stage and screen. Her most high profile roles include Lorrell Robinson in the original Broadway production of ''Dreamgirls'' (1981), Gloria Mat ...

as Dearie B. * CCH Pounder as Ethel B. *Peter Jay Fernandez as Danny * Megalyn Echikunwoke as Lauren *Kajuana Shuford as Gail *Kiara Tucker as Young Joyce * Saycon Sengbloh as Young Dearie B. *Christopher Dunn as Robert Earl * Tom Wright as Dr. Thomas Holder *Von Coulter as Troy Watts

Production

Filming occurred in

Wilmington, North Carolina Wilmington is a port city in New Hanover County, North Carolina, United States. With a population of 115,451 as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it is the List of municipalities in North Carolina, eighth-most populous city in the st ...

. This is the second movie co-starring Alfre Woodard and Loretta Devine after '' Down in the Delta''.

Critical response

The film and performances received positive reviews from critics. Laura Fries from the '' Variety'' magazine wrote in her review: "Director Julie Dash fosters a real sense of affection for these characters. Like her film debut, “Daughters in the Dust,” Dash provides a lush atmosphere, creating a visual treat with intricate flashback sequences and inviting locations." At The 2000 Black Reel Awards the film received five nominations.

References

External links

* {{Julie Dash American drama films Films scored by Stanley Clarke Films based on short fiction Films shot in North Carolina 1999 drama films 1999 films Films directed by Julie Dash 1990s English-language films 1990s American films