Why This Childhood Favorite Is Now Heartbreaking

Spike Lee boasts an iconic body of work, both written and directed by him, which remains significant to this day. Many of his films, such as “Do the Right Thing,” carry a social message that resonates deeply, and I’ve cherished numerous ones throughout my life. Among these, it is the movie “Crooklyn” that holds a special place in my heart.

Another way of putting it might be: This film could very well be the one I’ve watched the most number of times. It’s been quite a while since I last saw it, perhaps not since I became an adult. So, when someone mentioned watching Crooklyn for the first time, I felt compelled to rewatch this movie that holds a special place in my heart.

Viewing it from a mature standpoint offered fresh insights into the storyline. For me, the portrayal of Brooklyn as a neighborhood took on a whole new dimension, and my understanding of the protagonists’ journeys was significantly altered.

Warning: Crooklyn spoilers are ahead. Proceed with caution.

Crooklyn Was On Constant Repeat In My Childhood

In my opinion, numerous Black children during a specific era found themselves frequently watching the movie “Crooklyn”. It seemed to be playing all the time on TV. Given my background of not having a lot of money, going to the cinema wasn’t something that happened regularly for me. Instead, I would watch whatever was broadcasted on television, and this movie wasn’t just a frequent fixture, but one that I truly appreciated. This was largely because I could identify with it in numerous aspects.

In the movie, the neighborhood portrayed wasn’t far from my own in Chicago’s South Side. It was a place where most residents knew one another, and despite its challenges, there was a strong bond among them, creating a real sense of community. I’m the eldest child, not just an only child – I have two younger sisters and multiple brothers as well. I found similarities between myself and the character Troy (played by Zelda Harris), as we both come from large families. Additionally, I could identify with Troy’s role as a daughter, carrying the weight of responsibilities and leadership within our family.

Watching Carolyn, portrayed by Alfre Woodard in the movie “Crooklyn,” frequently evoked memories of my stern mother figure. Re-viewing this film triggered a nostalgic trip down memory lane and reconnected me to my childhood. While it may not be Lee’s most technically proficient work, it remains my all-time favorite.

It Always Had One Major Tragedy That Stood Out To Me

The movie “Crooklyn” is not just sad, but deeply so, for me. The fear of a parent getting sick and passing away is terrifying at any age, but it’s particularly unsettling when you’re a child. Carolyn’s demise has left an indelible mark on my memory. Consequently, I consider it one of the most poignant tragic films. Despite its comedic elements, Carolyn’s death always steers the movie towards a somber tone.

During my watch of the film, I discovered that I had mistaken some details about it. Initially, I thought Carolyn was ill all along, but it seems like her illness suddenly appeared and then led to her death. This fits with the movie’s narrative, as the story is mainly told from Troy’s perspective, so as a child, he wouldn’t have noticed subtle signs of his mother’s illness. From his point of view, it did indeed seem to come out of nowhere. Moreover, as adults, we often overlook health issues due to being too busy or lacking the resources for medical care, whether financially or because seeking help takes too much time. Thus, it’s possible that Carolyn and Woody (Delroy Lindo) were taken aback by her illness when Troy was away. I suspect she might have moved in with her aunt to protect her from the reality of her mother’s condition for a while.

Rewatching It, I Saw More Of The Chaos Of The City

In a manner much like how I perceived my own neighborhood during my upbringing, Troy seems to view her Brooklyn block through an enchanting lens. There’s constant bickering, trouble, drug abuse, and feuds among the residents. Yet, it’s a community that stands by one another. It’s often seen as a warm and loving place, despite its challenges.

In the film “Crooklyn,” Spike Lee portrays a character who resorts to glue-sniffing and bullies local kids, often for comedic effect. However, I can’t help but feel that dealing with an individual addicted to glue would be anything but amusing in real life. The siblings in the movie relentlessly torment their neighbor Tony Eyes (David Patrick Kelly), but as a viewer, I find myself sympathizing with them due to his perceived annoyance. However, stepping out of the cinematic world and into reality, I’d likely side with Tony Eyes. The idea of random children littering on my property would be nothing short of intolerable.

As an adult, I’ve become acutely aware of the disorder in our community – a disarray that could either push one to the brink of insanity or compel them to participate in it. Yet, I find it more enjoyable to be part of the fray.

I Didn’t Realize That Carolyn Is The Hero Of Crooklyn Until This Viewing

In simple terms, Although Carolyn isn’t single in the traditional sense, Woody isn’t contributing much to the family responsibilities. Essentially, it feels as if she carries the entire weight of the family on her own. Managing multiple children and working as a teacher is no easy task for her. It’s understandable that she might get frustrated and vent sometimes. From a child’s perspective, Carolyn may come across as intense and overwhelming, while Woody seems more relaxed and enjoyable, like a fun parental figure.

He assumes that role due to the fact that Carolyn shoulders the family’s responsibilities. As a child, I didn’t fully grasp the extent of her efforts. If I were in Woody’s position, I too would feel irritated with those kids. I’d like to think I’d yell less, but I’d certainly feel just as aggravated, exasperated, and swamped.

It has become clear to me that “Crooklyn” is amongst the finest films portraying motherhood. As I’ve grown older, my admiration and affection for Carolyn have only intensified. Watching her character’s demise as an adult adds a new layer of poignancy, making it all the more heart-wrenching – a testament to its impact, given that it was quite distressing even when I first watched it as a child.

Troy’s Story Became A Lot Sadder As I Watched It As An Adult

The movie concludes with Troy assuming responsibilities similar to those of her mother. It’s portrayed as something she adapts to effortlessly and even enjoys, but in truth, Troy is a ten-year-old girl who may grow up prematurely due to taking care of her siblings and father. This could put her under a lot of stress, much like her mother. However, it’s important to note that Troy isn’t destined to become an exact replica of her mom, given she is a child and Woody will likely mature into a more attentive parent. Instead, Troy will endeavor to pay tribute to Carolyn by taking on more responsibilities.

In all probability, this worthy endeavor might take away some of the innocence and freedom that comes with being a child. Unfortunately, this harsh truth has become a part of life for Troy, although it’s a situation sadly familiar to many children who have lost their parents at a tender age.

Despite The Tragedy Surrounding The Family, I Still View The Film As Very Hopeful.

This film revolves around the theme of hope, as it portrays a community riddled with disorder yet bound together by genuine relationships. They extend aid and protection towards one another. Notably, Woody grows in compassion and offers assistance to Tony Eyes in cleaning up. Despite her own loss, Troy yearns for her siblings to have a maternal presence and care for them. She aims to uphold the unique bond she shared with her mother by nurturing this relationship now.

Woody is someone who pursues dreams, yet understands the need to adapt somewhat – whether a bit or a lot – to ensure his family’s well-being. Noticeably, you can see him taking on more responsibilities now that Carolyn is absent. This family may not have a flawless life, but it is rich in love, camaraderie, and empathy.

What makes “Crooklyn” so touching and unforgettable is its authentic portrayal of a family that resonates deeply. It’s not about a flawless family, but one that feels genuine, which adds to the allure of their tale. It stands out as one of the finest films depicting Black families and offers a compelling coming-of-age narrative.

Rent or buy Crooklyn on Amazon.

2025-02-10 13:08