know originally film box office hit light recent hollywood releases most decidedly formularidden plot less pointless savetheblondechicknomatterwhat drivel feast saints certainly sorry context deserves second opinion filmlike bookloses anchoring historical background depicts uniquely american dilemma set uniquely horrific american institution human enslavement tragic and funny touching consequencesbr br and worthy singling youthful robert richard cast leading figure marcel whose idealistic enthusiasm truly universal sets beginning coming age cruelly disappointed turns become true education ways southern plantation world louisiana apex antebellum period saw previews featuring dreaded blondhaired richard expected buffoon fop caricaturei pleasantly surprisedbr br ossie davis ruby dee late ben vereen pam grier victoria rowell even jasmine guy lend vivid imagery formidable skill actors backdrop tapestry placage voodoo creole aristocracy haitian revolt woven tale human passion hate love family racial perplexity society supposedly gone yet somehow still us