Imitation of Life

Imitation of Life

By Unknown

  • Genre: Drama
  • Release Date: 1959-04-17
  • Advisory Rating: Unrated
  • Runtime: 2h 4min
  • Director: Unknown
  • Production Company: Universal International Pictures
  • Production Country: United States of America
  • iTunes Price: USD 14.99
  • iTunes Rent Price: USD 3.99
7.42/10
7.42
From 263 Ratings
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Description

Living a lie is a poor substitute for living the truth - sometimes it takes the harsh realities of life to help us discover who we truly are. The legendary Lana Turner stars in this 1959 version of Fannie Hurst's emotionally charged drama, which chronicles two widows and their troubled daughters as they struggle to find true happiness amidst racial prejudice. Lana Turner plays Lora, a single white mother whose Hollywood starlet ambitions come at the expense of any meaningful relationship with her daughter, Susie (Sandra Dee). Lora's black housekeeper, Annie (Juanita Moore), has troubles of her own as she faces the rejection of her own fair-skinned daughter, Sarah Jane (Susan Kohner), who abandons her heritage for a chance to be accepted as white. As years of selfishness and denial pass, tragedy strikes and forces the women to come to terms with their own identities. Moore and Kohner were both Oscar®-nominated for "Best Supporting Actress" for their stirring performances. This lavish production, directed by Douglas Sirk (Magnificent Obsession), was a critical and commercial success, and today remains both a testament to its time and a beloved Hollywood classic.

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Reviews

  • Best movie ever

    5
    By Ebo919
    This was my first time seeing this movie. It was amazing and brought tears to my eyes. When momma is gone she’s gone...love and respect her while she’s here before it’s too late.

  • Imitation of life

    5
    By mimiix11
    I absolutely love this movie. It made me cry the first time I watched it. May the stars in Imitation of life Rest In Peace. Life changing movie and I suggest anyone reading this to watch it!

  • My favorite movie ever

    5
    By Saudianerja
    This is the only movie that my mother and I cry so heavily on. May many of the stars rest in peace. #classic#best

  • Best Movie

    5
    By NiaDrummond
    Being only 19, I wish I was around to witness true art like this during its prime which was during this time. One of the best movies I have ever seen!

  • I have a teen daughter who's struggling with her identity and true happiness. I relate to this movie

    5
    By Teadybear96
    I have a teen daughter who's struggling with her true identity and true happiness. It's so painful. I'm an older mom by 40+yrs older than her and I have health issues. I adopted her and she knows her biological family who rejects her out of jealousy because she has a better life. I've watched her go through so much pain and see how she has this false coping system that's destined to collapse any moment and she's at a point where she shuts me and any advice that I try to give out. I'm struggling with "what if's" because I have no family so there's no safety net should I die. It's tearing me up, trying to get well and feeling like a failure and the unknowns never cease to leave but for only a minute. I've loved this movie from day one and I have it on a VHS someplace. But just a day or so ago I told her that I recommend she watch this and anytime I try to get her to face reality she accuses me of having a pity party when in essence I'm hurting and terrified. Great story.

  • I never forgot the first time I saw this movie!

    5
    By GiGi 5.2008
    I grew up with a mom that made sure I knew about my cultural history. When I was a child, I just wanted my mother and I to just fit in. However, my mother wanted me to be proud to be black. The first time I saw this movie, I cried, I related, I loved this movie instantly. When I became an adult, I was surprised to find out, this was a remake of an earlier movie. So, when I had the opportunity to view the original, I did not like it. This is still my all time favorite movie.

  • This Movie Packs A Wallop

    5
    By IdreamofTV
    Sensational tear jerker from the 50's dealing with a sensitive situation by standards of the 1950's. Although it shows some wear and tear over the years it's still very much effectual in making you reach for the kleenex. I did notice a word substitution that could have been deemed as offensive and I hate this word is dubbed over for it takes away from the movie and how much shock there must have been to hear this word during those times… if it was allowed to be used in those times of censorship. All in all, it's still a movie that can work on your emotions.

  • Fantastic! Memorable tearjerker! A TRUE classic!

    5
    By Be True
    Don't let the fact that this is a tearjerker dissuade you! This is a classic that I have watched over and over. Very near and dear to my heart! Reminds me of my mom every time. Love it. Super performances by all. You will fall in love with the characters. Watch it now, just have the kleenexes close.

  • My Favorite Movie to watch with Mom's or Sister's !

    5
    By PrettyNpink77
    I love this movie! you'll love it too, if you share enjoy getting together with your sisters or just wanted to have that " long overdo mother and daughter date"...I've seen it 13 times, and as I've matured over the years , my appreciation gets a little deeper.

  • Let The Tears Flow

    4
    By ojosoro
    This movie is a good movie all around. Yes, there are parts of this moving there felt like more "acting" than portrayal of an actual experience. Most annoying was the choice to cast the actress that played Juanita Moore's daughter. Where the walls come crashing down and the tears flow is the moment Mahalia Jackson begins to sing Trouble of the World. Here in this short but magnificently sung song, you get walloped with this wordly understanding of how hard it was for the black woman ( or any person for that fact) who pours out love for their only sibling only to have it pushed away. God bless Mahalia Jackson.

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