Go Tell it on the Mountain

Go Tell it on the Mountain is a 1985 American made-for-television drama film directed by Stan Lathan and written by Gus Edwards and Leslie Lee. The film is an adaptation of James Baldwin's 1953 novel of the same name, providing viewers not only with a vivid cinematic expression of Baldwin’s critically acclaimed book but also an intense study of life, love, and the human spirit.

The story follows the life of a boy named John Grimes, played by James Bond III, in a deeply spiritual and devout African-American family living in Harlem during the Great Depression of the 1920s and 30s. The movie is about his struggle to find his own identity aside from the one his oppressive stepfather, a fire-and-brimstone preacher named Gabriel, impresses upon him. Gabriel is depicted exceptionally by the famed actor Paul Winfield, with his powerhouse performance leaving audiences both troubled and intrigued.

The movie oscillates between the present and the past, shown through powerful flashbacks that guide viewers through the pain and pleasure, triumphs and tribulations, of the Grimes family across generations. The casting of Olivia Cole as Elizabeth, the feminine focal point of the film, further diversifies the complex relationships within the Grimes family. Meanwhile, Rodrick F. Wimberly contributes his theatrical prowess to the role of Roy, John's rebellious younger brother.

Cole’s character, Elizabeth, is the able and tender-hearted mother, struggling to rise above her past and the oppressive presence of Gabriel while trying to provide affection and stability for her children. Contrasting Cole’s role, Wimberly presents a brutally honest depiction of the thwarted youth, of a kid who, unlike his elder brother, is unwilling to submit to the religious and paternal authority.

Yet, at the heart of the film, and arguably its greatest strength, is the character of John Grimes. James Bond III plays Grimes with a reserved sensitivity that is nothing short of captivating. The character's psychological turmoil, his search for individuality and freedom, and his struggle against conforming to the stifling and dogmatic church ways imposed by his stepfather, is intriguingly unfolded throughout the film.

Paul Winfield as the harsh and fanatically religious stepfather, Gabriel, offers a masterclass in acting. His character equals the complexity of the protagonist, being both antagonist and victim. His Gabriel is a man tormented by his past sins, using his religion both as a weapon against others and an armor against his own guilt. Winfield imbues his character with a fire and fervor that can be profoundly unsettling.

Go Tell it on the Mountain is undoubtedly a social drama that intricately weaves themes of religion, morality, parenthood, African American identity, adolescence, and most notably the struggle for liberation. These universal themes are brilliantly observed, making the film a human tale that resonates deeply. Moreover, the nuances of the African American experience of the time are accurately captured, lending the film a sense of gravity and historical realism.

Besides the profound thematology, the film setting is another success factor, as it brings alive the era it seeks to represent, accentuated by a thoughtful background score and effective costume designing.

On the whole, the film is powerfully emotional with periodically intense performances that successfully captures the soul of Baldwin's novel. Entries in the artistic field, like Go Tell it on the Mountain, command novelty and challenge viewers intellectually while unearthing the depths of human emotions. This is a film that will not only entertain but also make viewers reflect deeply about faith, family, and the formidable task of asserting one's identity amidst societal pressures. Its portrayal of a boy's journey to manhood while dealing with issues like sin, faith, guilt, and redemption reverberates with psychological realism and emotional intensity, creating a lasting impact on the audience. As such, Go Tell it on the Mountain is a riveting cinematic portrayal of one of the 20th century’s most potent works of literature.