Tyler Perry's Best Work Yet? —Review Of A Jazzman's Blues (2022)

Hatred And Prejudice

I understand A Jazzman's Blues is based on a script Tyler Perry wrote about 27 years ago and I think it is better and more intense than his comedies. I enjoyed how the film explored sensitive topics like domestic and sexual violence, discrimination and importantly, racial prejudice and forbidden romance.

The first scene of the film already informed viewers what the end would be. I was sad from the first few minutes of watching because most times we want happy endings for couples genuinely in love. In this case, there was no happy ending.

Even though there are some lessons to be gleaned from this film, it reminds us of the hate that pervades every society. This couple's love would have survived but for hatred and prejudice. I examine the issue of discrimination from Bayou's POV. This is a character that was not accepted in his home as a teenager. He grows up and tries to love and still, he is not accepted. I wonder what this lovers' fate would be if the entire scenario had happened in a less prejudiced society like the present time. Would their relationship have survived or be prematurely stifled? I'll let you be the judge of this.

Review

Not only is this film touching, but it is also intensely interesting. Every scene is calibrated to the end that we already expect and dread. We just did not know what it would look like until we watched it. The storytelling is made more efficient and fascinating by the orderly and well-paced scenes.

Also, the cast performances, especially the leads, are great and believable. I enjoyed the musical numbers scattered throughout the film thanks to the award-winning jazz composer, Terence Blanchard, who worked on the soundtracks. Bayou, the lead actor has a beautiful voice and I hope he will have more opportunities to explore his singing talents in some other musical flicks.

It's important to note that this film is rated R for violent images, rape, brief sex scenes, drug use and language. So it may not be suitable for children to watch.

Overall, Tyler Perry did great with this new film and I enjoyed it. I rate it 4 stars out of 5.

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^{Images are screenshots from the movie and the cover image was edited with Canva}