Black Nativity (2013)

 

Release date: November 27, 2013

Director: Kasi Lemmons

Writer(s): Langston Hughes

Starring: Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Jacob Latimore, Jennifer Hudson, Tyrese Gibson

Estimated Budget: $17.5 million

U.S. Box office: $7.0 million

International: $435,996

Worldwide: $7.4 million

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Director Kasi Lemmons updates Langston Hughes' acclaimed play for the screen in this inspirational musical drama with a positive spiritual message. Langston (Jacob Latimore) is a street-smart Baltimore teen who lives with his single mother Naima (Jennifer Hudson). It's Christmas, and this year Jordan is traveling to New York City for a stay with his distant relatives Reverend Cornell (Forest Whitaker) and Aretha Cobbs (Angela Bassett). When Reverent Cornell's strict rules prove too oppressive for the rebellious teen to handle, however, Jordan decides he'd rather spend the holidays with his mother, and embarks on an eye-opening journey that teaches him the true importance of faith and family.