Direction: Charles Burnett
The best movies, series, and documentaries directed by Charles Burnett. Explore exceptional titles that showcase a unique filmmaking vision.
Titles found: 20
My Brother's Wedding
1983 · Movie · 80 min. · United States
Direction Charles Burnett
Cast Everett Silas · Jessie Holmes · Gaye Shannon-Burnett · Sy Richardson
Synopsis My Brother's Wedding (1983) follows the story of a man who harbors deep resentment towards his successful lawyer brother. Despite their strained relationship, he finds himself in a position where he must set aside his feelings and take on the...
7.2
81 votes
7.2
81 votes
Martin Scorsese Presents the Blues - Warming by the Devil's Fire
2003 · Documentary · 106 min. · United States
Direction Charles Burnett
Synopsis Martin Scorsese Presents the Blues - Warming by the Devil's Fire (2003) is a compelling documentary directed by Charles Burnett, renowned for his films "Killer of Sheep," "My Brother's Wedding," and "To Sleep with Anger." The film delves into the...
6.9
244 votes
6.9
244 votes
Killer of Sheep
1978 · Movie · 83 min. · United States
Direction Charles Burnett
Cast Henry G. Sanders · Kaycee Moore · Charles Bracy · Angela Burnett
Synopsis Killer of Sheep (1978) is the debut feature from celebrated independent filmmaker Charles Burnett, a deeply moving drama that delves into the life of a man working at a slaughterhouse as he navigates economic hardships and strives to mend his...
6.9
597 votes
6.9
597 votes
When It Rains (S)
1995 · Movie · 13 min. · United States
Direction Charles Burnett
Cast Ayuko Babu · Florence Bracy · Kenny Merritt
Synopsis When It Rains (S) (1995) follows the journey of a self-proclaimed "urban griot" who embarks on a mission on New Year's Day to prevent a mother and her daughter from being evicted. His quest for financial assistance transforms into a...
6.8
75 votes
6.8
75 votes
Nightjohn
1996 · Movie · 92 min. · United States
Direction Charles Burnett
Cast Beau Bridges · Gerald Brown · Gabriel Casseus · Lorraine Toussaint
Synopsis Nightjohn (1996) follows the story of Sarny, a 12-year-old enslaved girl in the antebellum South, who faces a bleak future. Her primary tasks on Clel Waller's plantation involve serving meals, deterring pests from roses with tobacco juice, and covertly relaying...
6.2
23 votes
6.2
23 votes
To Sleep with Anger
1990 · Movie · 102 min. · United States
Direction Charles Burnett
Cast Danny Glover · Paul Butler · DeVaughn Nixon · Mary Alice
Synopsis To Sleep with Anger (1990) follows the story of a charismatic drifter, Harry, who arrives in Los Angeles to visit his old friends, Gideon and Suzie. His presence disrupts the peaceful life of the couple, stirring up old memories and...
6.1
81 votes
6.1
81 votes
The Glass Shield
1994 · Movie · 106 min. · United States
Direction Charles Burnett
Cast Ice Cube · Michael Boatman · Lori Petty · Elliott Gould
Synopsis The Glass Shield (1994) follows the journey of Johnny 'J.J.' Johnson (Michael Boatman), a rookie in the Sheriff's Department who is the first African American officer at the station. The film delves into the racial tensions that arise as some...
5.0
37 votes
5.0
37 votes
42 One Dream Rush
2010 · Movie · 45 min. · United States
Direction Kenneth Anger · Asia Argento · Tadanobu Asano · Sergey Bodrov
Cast Kenneth Anger · Tadanobu Asano · Brian Butler · Helena Christensen
Synopsis 42 One Dream Rush (2010) is a captivating compilation of short films, each crafted by distinguished auteur directors. The anthology delves into the surreal and often profound world of dreams, offering a unique cinematic experience that explores the depths of...
4.9
105 votes
4.9
105 votes
The Wedding (TV)
1998 · Movie · 163 min. · United States
Direction Charles Burnett
Cast Halle Berry · Lynn Whitfield · Eric Thal · Shirley Knight
Synopsis The Wedding (TV) (1998) follows the story of Shelby, portrayed by Halle Berry, a young, attractive, and privileged woman who is set to marry Meade, a white jazz musician. Meade's parents refuse to attend the wedding due to Shelby's black...
4.3
81 votes
4.3
81 votes
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America Becoming
1991 · Documentary · 90 min. · United States
Direction Charles Burnett
Synopsis America Becoming (1991) explores the evolving landscape of the United States as it transitions into a more diverse society. The documentary delves into the historical shifts in the Immigration and Nationality Act starting from 1965, presenting a vivid portrayal of...
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The Final Insult
1997 · Documentary · 55 min. · Germany
Direction Charles Burnett
Cast Ayuko Babu · Florence Bracy · Kenny Merritt
Synopsis The Final Insult (1997) offers a unique blend of fiction and documentary elements as Charles Burnett delves into the harsh realities of homelessness in Los Angeles. The film presents a raw and compassionate exploration of the issue, highlighting the struggles...
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The Annihilation of Fish
1999 · Movie · 108 min. · United States
Direction Charles Burnett
Cast Lynn Redgrave · James Earl Jones · Margot Kidder · Tommy Redmond Hicks
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Nat Turner: A Troublesome Property
2003 · Documentary · 58 min. · United States
Direction Charles Burnett
Cast Herbert Aptheker · Ossie Davis · Eric Foner · Rick Francis
Synopsis Nat Turner: A Troublesome Property (2003) delves into the life and enduring impact of the mysterious figure who spearheaded the infamous 1831 slave uprising in Virginia. The documentary scrutinizes various interpretations and critiques of works centered around Turner, offering a...
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The Horse (S)
1973 · Movie · 14 min. · United States
Direction Charles Burnett
Cast Gordon Houston · Maury Wright · Gary Morrin · Roger Collins
Synopsis The Horse (S) (1973) is a highly regarded 1973 short film that delves into the dynamics of an affluent white farming family and their interactions with a young black boy named William. The story revolves around a horse that is...
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Direction Gregory Nava · Charles Burnett · Barbara Martinez Jitner
Cast Kurt Caceres · Edward James Olmos · Patricia Velasquez · Sônia Braga
Synopsis American Family (TV Miniseries) (2002) is a compelling drama that spans two seasons, focusing on the Gonzalez family as they navigate life after the tragic loss of their matriarch, Berta. Jess Gonzalez, the family's patriarch, faces daily challenges while raising...
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Direction Charles Burnett
Cast Danny Glover · Carl Lumbly · Chrisjan Appollus · Obed Emvula
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Quiet as Kept (S)
2007 · Movie · 6 min. · United States
Direction Charles Burnett
Cast Nathaniel Lee Sr. · Sharial C. Lee · Dan Curtis Lee
Synopsis Quiet as Kept (S) (2007) follows the story of a young teenager who finds himself in a moment of boredom as his father is engrossed in restoring an old car. Meanwhile, his mother expresses a desire to take a leisurely...
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Several Friends (S)
1969 · Movie · 21 min. · United States
Direction Charles Burnett
Cast Andy Burnett · Eugene Cherry · Charles Bracy · Casssandra Wright
Synopsis Several Friends (S) (1969) is an improvised short film from the late 1960s, marking the directorial debut of Charles Burnett. Shot in a neo-realist, documentary style, it offers a glimpse into a single day in the lives of a group...
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Relative Stranger (TV)
2009 · Movie · 88 min. · United States
Direction Charles Burnett
Cast Eriq La Salle · Michael Michele · Cicely Tyson · Michael Beach
Synopsis Relative Stranger (TV) (2009) follows the journey of Walter Clemens, a former professional football player who left his family behind after enduring a string of career disappointments. Unable to face his family's potential disillusionment, Walter's departure leaves a void that...
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