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Cane River is a 1982 romantic drama directed by Horace B. Jenkins. The movie has been rediscovered in recent years and has gained a cult following for its honest portrayal of African American life in rural Louisiana. The film follows the love story of Peter Metoyer (Richard Romain), a handsome Creole man, and Maria Mathis (Tommye Myrick), a young African American woman. Though they are from different social classes, their connection is undeniable.

Peter is a man of means, having inherited property and money from his family. He spends his time fishing and enjoying the fruits of his labor, but he longs for something more meaningful in his life. That's when he meets Maria.

Maria is a hard-working woman who lives on a farm with her mother and grandmother. She dreams of leaving the farm and going to college, but her responsibilities keep her tied to the land. When Peter enters her life, she sees a glimmer of hope for something better.

As their love blossoms, they must navigate the disapproval of those around them. Peter's family is not pleased with his relationship with a woman from a lower social class, and Maria's grandmother warns her about the dangers of getting involved with a Creole man.

Throughout the film, we see how the characters are shaped by their environment. The movie portrays life in rural Louisiana with authenticity, depicting the hardships and triumphs of African Americans in a small town.

One of the film's strengths is its use of location. Cane River was filmed on location in Natchitoches, Louisiana, and the film captures the beauty of the area with its stunning cinematography. The use of local music and culture also adds to the authenticity of the film.

Another highlight of the movie is the performances of the two leads. Richard Romain brings charm and depth to the role of Peter, and Tommye Myrick is captivating as Maria. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, and their love story is one that will stay with audiences long after the credits roll.

The film's director, Horace B. Jenkins, tragically passed away before the movie could be released. Cane River was shelved for decades until a restored print was discovered in 2018. The film received a new life at film festivals and sparked renewed interest in Jenkins' work.

In conclusion, Cane River is a beautiful and poignant love story set against the backdrop of rural Louisiana. The film's attention to detail and authenticity make it an important piece of African American cinema. Richard Romain and Tommye Myrick deliver captivating performances, and the film's rediscovery is a testament to the enduring power of independent cinema.

Cane River is a 1982 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 80.