The White Girl (1988)
Directed by Tony Brown
Genres - Drama |
Release Date - Feb 9, 1990 (USA) |
Run Time - 94 min. |
Countries - United States |
MPAA Rating - PG13
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Synopsis by Sandra Brennan
The title of this earnest anti-drug drama from distinguished black television journalist Tony Brown, the long-time host of the PBS show Tony Brown's Journal, has a double meaning: it refers to a slang term for cocaine, and also to the deeper problem of the lead character, a woman who has lost touch with her African-American heritage. Kim grew up in a middle-class neighborhood with plenty of love and material things, including a drop-dead gorgeous wardrobe. She was an exceptional high-school student and dreamed of becoming an attorney. She goes to college, discovers cocaine, and finds her life falling apart. Eventually she is convinced to become a member of the Black Student Union and there she meets good-hearted and handsome Bob, a pre-med student who helps her move away from drugs and back to her studies. He is the first African-American boyfriend Kim has ever had. Things look up, until the driven, conniving, drug-addicted Vanessa becomes Kim's dormmate. Vanessa desperately wants to become a TV anchor woman and will do anything, even sleep with studio execs, to get there. She has a terrible influence on the weak-willed Kim and gets her involved in a rapid downward spiral of humiliating sex and increased drug use that results in tragedy for both girls. Ultimately though, it leads to Kim's redemption.
Characteristics
Keywords
abuse, addiction, Black [race], college, drugs, high-school, love, recovery [health], self-destruction, self-image, student, America, girl, help