Synopsis

A troubled single mother from Chicago is sent with her two children to spend the summer with relatives in rural Mississippi. Away from the pressures and dangers of the city, she encounters a supportive family, demanding work, and the history of her ancestors. The experience gradually helps her confront addiction, rebuild her confidence, and imagine a more stable future.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film was released theatrically in the United States on December 25, 1998, by Miramax Films.
• Although the story begins in Chicago, the Chicago scenes were filmed in Toronto, Ontario.
• Esther Rolle's appearance was her final film performance before her death.
• The film received the Audience Choice Award for Best Feature at the 1998 Chicago International Film Festival.
• It also won a 1999 Prism Award in the Theatrical Feature Film category.
• Wesley Snipes was one of the film's producers and also appeared in a supporting role.
• Stanley Clarke composed the film's music.
• The screenplay was written by Myron Goble, whose work on the film marked his first feature screenplay.