Sweet Love, Bitter (1967) User Reviews

Loosely Based on Charlie "Yardbird" Parker

[nuport · 9 April 2002]

I loved this, there is many layers to this like a cake.But a strange cake it is man,.You have to be somewhat into Jazz music to love it like me .I think it really captures the time it was made ,if you made a living playing Jazz in the mid to late 50's you really did'nt know where your next meal might come from .One minute you're on top of the world, next minute could see you begging in the street ,wallowing in your own filth .Excellent performance by all involved ,Its a fairly rare piece ,and not for everyone.

A Movie for Jazz Fans and "Quirky Movie" Buffs

[seminolewa · 10/10 · 23 June 2009]

If you expect a typical Hollywood production, don't watch this. But, if you are a serious jazz fan--particularly of the Bop and Cool styles--you will love this one. Even if you're not a jazz fan, you need only like movies that are a bit off center to truly appreciate "Sweet Love, Bitter". Great soundtrack from Mal Waldron, a truly endearing performance from Dick Gregory, and a classic Don Murray role. Taken from John Williams' "Night Song", a novel of rage, love, and friendships tenuous and tight, this movie never flinches in showing life despairing and real. As the seamy is ever so often complemented by brief, magical moments of humor, so too is the movie. The scene of David and Richie back at David's college is worth the price of admission by itself. This is a movie to savor, to retain, and to savor once again. This movie needs to be released on DVD.