Love Jones (1997 Film)

''Love Jones'' (stylized as ''love jones'') is a 1997 American romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Theodore Witcher in his feature directorial debut. The film stars Larenz Tate and Nia Long, with supporting performances by Isaiah Washington, Bill Bellamy, and Lisa Nicole Carson. Set in Chicago, the narrative follows the evolving relationship between a poet and a photographer as they navigate love, ambition, and personal growth.

Two of the poems recited by Long’s character, Nina Mosley, were written by acclaimed poet Sonia Sanchez and later published in her collection ''Like the Singing Coming Off the Drums: Love Poems''.

''Love Jones'' premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 17, 1997, and was released theatrically in the United States on March 14, 1997, by New Line Cinema. Although the film was well received by critics, it underperformed at the box office. Despite this, it has since developed a cult following and is considered a significant contribution to African-American cinema and the romantic drama genre. As of 2024, it remains Witcher’s only directorial feature.

Plot

In Chicago, Darius Lovehall, an aspiring poet, performs at the Sanctuary, a popular nightclub featuring jazz and spoken word. Before taking the stage, he meets Nina Mosley, a talented photographer recently out of a relationship with her ex-fiancé, Marvin. During their first encounter, Darius accidentally spills his drink on Nina but recovers by dedicating his poem, “A Blues for Nina,” to her during his set.

Intrigued, Darius pursues Nina despite her initial reluctance. He obtains her address through a mutual acquaintance and delivers a CD she was seeking, prompting their first date. Their chemistry leads to an intimate night together, though both remain unsure of their emotional readiness. Darius is guarded and hesitant to reveal vulnerability, while Nina is still processing her breakup with Marvin.

Their relationship develops amidst uncertainty, complicated by advice from friends navigating their own relationship challenges. Darius shows Nina his apartment—nicknamed “the Batcave”—and their connection deepens. However, tension arises when Marvin reappears, asking Nina to join him in New York. Hoping to test Darius's feelings, Nina decides to go, but Darius conceals his disappointment.

After an unsuccessful attempt to rekindle her relationship with Marvin, Nina returns to Chicago, hoping to reconnect with Darius. She discovers he is now involved with another woman, Lisa. In response, she spends time with Darius’s friend, Hollywood, intensifying their rivalry. A confrontation at a party results in Nina leaving in frustration. Darius follows, and they briefly reconcile, sharing a romantic evening at the Blackstone Hotel and a walk by Buckingham Fountain.

Despite their reunion, lingering trust issues resurface. Nina discovers Lisa’s phone number in Darius’s datebook, and anonymous calls heighten her suspicions. Their relationship deteriorates, and they part ways. When Nina receives a job offer from ''Vibe'' magazine, she prepares to return to New York. Informed by mutual friend Josie, Darius rushes to Union Station to stop her but arrives too late.

A year later, Darius has published his novel, and Nina, now a successful photographer, returns to Chicago for a magazine assignment. Visiting the Sanctuary, she performs a poem reflecting on lost love. Darius, seated in the audience, listens in silence, and the two silently acknowledge their enduring connection.

Cast

* Larenz Tate as Darius Lovehall
* Nia Long as Nina Mosley
* Isaiah Washington as Savon Garrison
* Lisa Nicole Carson as Josie Nichols
* Bill Bellamy as Hollywood
* Leonard Roberts as Eddie Coles
* Bernadette Speakes as Sheila Downes (as Bernadette L. Clarke)
* Khalil Kain as Marvin Cox

Production

''Love Jones'' was written and directed by Theodore Witcher, marking his feature film debut. Inspired by the vibrant spoken-word and arts scene in Chicago, Witcher crafted a story that focused on young Black professionals and artists navigating love, creativity, and ambition. The film was conceived as a contemporary romantic drama that portrayed African-American life outside of the crime- and drug-centered narratives that were prevalent in cinema at the time.

According to the producers, one of the goals was to depict a slice of Black life that emphasized culture, intimacy, and emotional complexity without relying on violence or substance abuse as plot devices. The script was completed over nine months, and support from New Line Cinema executive Helena Echegoyen helped bring the project into production.

Filming took place on location in Chicago, capturing key neighborhoods, clubs, and artistic venues. The film was shot in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio using Panavision cameras and lenses, with cinematography by Ernest Holzman. The soundtrack, a blend of jazz, neo-soul, and R&B, was a key component of the film’s tone and featured artists such as Lauryn Hill, Maxwell, and The Brand New Heavies.

Soundtrack

Reception

On the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, ''Love Jones'' holds an approval rating of 76% based on 29 critic reviews, with an average rating of 6.7/10. The site's consensus reads: "An endearing romance that puts a fairly fresh perspective on familiar framework, Love Jones is worth falling for." On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 65 out of 100, based on 22 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews." Audiences surveyed by CinemaScore gave the film a rare grade of "A", reflecting strong viewer satisfaction.

Roger Ebert of the ''Chicago Sun-Times'' awarded the film 3 out of 4 stars, noting its unconventional narrative structure. He wrote, "Many love stories contrive to get their characters together at the end. This one contrives, not to keep them apart, but to bring them to a bittersweet awareness that is above simple love." He praised the lead performances, adding, "It's hard to believe that Tate—so smooth, literate, and attractive here—played the savage killer O-Dog in ''Menace II Society''. (1993). Nia Long was Brandi in ''Boyz n the Hood'' (1991). Love Jones extends their range, to put it mildly."

James Berardinelli of ''ReelViews'' also gave the film 3 out of 4 stars, emphasizing its unique atmosphere and setting. He wrote, "There are several reasons why this film works better than the common, garden-variety love story... The culture in which post-college African Americans mingle while pursuing careers and relationships represents a significant change from what we're used to." He also praised the intelligent dialogue and the ambiance of the Sanctuary nightclub where the protagonists meet.

Home media

''Love Jones'' was initially released on VHS by New Line Home Entertainment. The film later received a standalone DVD release, followed by a "double feature" DVD edition that included the 1996 romantic comedy ''A Thin Line Between Love and Hate''.

On March 29, 2022, the Criterion Collection released a 4K digital restoration of ''Love Jones'' on Blu-ray, featuring a new interview with director Theodore Witcher, as well as additional archival content and critical essays.

See also

References

External links

*

''love Jones'': Sweet Home Chicago
an essay by Danielle Amir Jackson at the Criterion Collection

{{Sundance Audience Award Dramatic

1997 films
1997 independent films
1997 romantic comedy-drama films
African-American romantic comedy-drama films
Films set in Chicago
Films shot in Chicago
New Line Cinema films
1997 directorial debut films
1990s English-language films
1990s American films
Sundance Film Festival award–winning films
English-language romantic comedy-drama films
English-language independent films