The Obamas Make You Fall in Love with Love #SouthsideWithYou

#SouthsideWithYou love

Inspired by Barack and Michelle Obama’s first date, “Southside With You” recounts the eventful summer day in 1989 when a young law firm associate named Barack Obama (Parker Sawyers) tried to woo lawyer Michelle Robinson (Tika Sumpter) during a daylong date that took them from the Art Institute of Chicago to a screening of Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing to the site of their first kiss outside of an ice cream parlor.

I had the pleasure of being part of a group interview with Tika Sumpter and John Legend (Executive Producer) about this refreshing and positive story about two fantastic role models. Below are some highlights, lessons, and takeaways from an inspiring true love story.

A love story #SouthSideWithYou

DATING

Dating today is quite different from dating in 1989. What is the one thing, based on what you learned about the Obama’s first date, you think we should do more of today?

Tika Sumpter: The texting probably doesn’t help too much nowadays. But I think probably just more interaction. That’s what I would say.

John Legend: They were in a unique position as they met at work, and so I think they already respected each other’s intelligence. They started with some things in common in that they were both Ivy League professionals. But this date was an epic date where they talked and talked and got to know each other. I think that’s how they fell in love. They respected each other’s mind.

Out of the many angles of Obama’s life that would make for a great biopic, why this angle with the First Lady also?

John Legend: The angle is Richard’s [Tanne] idea, who wrote and directed the movie and chose this approach to such an important life. Somebody will probably create a biopic spanning a longer period of time. But because we know enough about what happened on the date to cover it, the film inspires by focusing on how things started out. I think it was a great idea to do it this way, not overly ambitious. It’s saying this was a really sweet, special moment that changed history.

BEING MICHELLE OBAMA

On playing the First Lady, Ms. Tika Sumpter expressed that because there wasn’t any footage of Michelle Obama from back in the ’80’s, it was more about playing a character of a black woman, surrounded by mostly white men, who wanted to be taken seriously for who she was and what she had to offer.

“Watching the movie you’ll also get to know Michelle Robinson a bit more”. Sumpter further explains that her character is “very sarcastic, and funny.”

Tika Sumpter: You know that she’s funny now, but I think it’s played in a different way. What you also get is the dynamic of her family.

John Legend: What you get from the film is that she’s a bit guarded, particularly because they started as professional colleagues and he [Barack] was trying to move it into a more personal realm. She wasn’t sure whether that would be good for her to take it in that direction. But we see the love they have for each other and the authenticity.

#southsidewithyou dating

CHEMISTRY & AUTHENTICITY

Capturing the essence of the way the president and the First Lady look at each other was made possible by casting Parker Sawyers as Barack Obama, whom Sumpter says she had immediate chemistry with.

Tika Sumpter: I don’t think you can really create chemistry. I think chemistry is either there or it’s not. And we were able to have it.

John Legend: And, let me say, they did a remarkable job. So natural and it really feels authentic in every way. You forget that it’s them. You think that you’re watching Barack and Michelle, and it’s really beautiful to see them give the characters such humanity and authenticity.

LOVE & AUTHENTICITY

The Obamas #southsidewithyouWhat is it about the Obama’s love story that makes it so special you think?

Tika Sumpter: I think people love the authenticity in it, you know? When you see a lot of couples, you don’t see the affection, and when you do, it’s kind of forced sometimes. But, the Obama’s I think have inspired a lot of people with relationship goals and getting their stuff together. I think it’s had a huge effect on couples in general because people can see that the love is real. That’s one of the things I think a lot of people love about those two.

John Legend: And, I think that’s why Richard, our director, made this film. Because he was inspired by looking at them as a couple, them looking at each other, looking even with millions of people in the world watching. The Obamas are able to be themselves around each other. You can feel their love is genuine and their respect for each other is genuine too. It made Richard want to explore that and I think so many fans are going to be uplifted and inspired by watching how it started.

LIFE LESSONS

Apart from the love story itself, speaking as producers of the film, if the two of you could choose only one life lesson that you hope viewers take away from watching Southside With You, what would it be?

Tika Sumpter: You don’t have to dim your light for anyone. You can go out confidently and know how intelligent you are and be okay with it. What I love about this story is, in a lot of other romance movies, you see the girl always crying or pacing. But it’s like the girl is the prize in this movie. I think women are really going to enjoy being the prize and seeing themselves in a higher realm, and….

John Legend: …Worthy.

Tika Sumpter: Yes, worthy! Valued! I value myself even more now and know that my voice matters. My voice matters and nothing can take that away.

John Legend: I think it makes people believe in love too, just watching this film. And partnership – finding somebody that you can build with. We know what they’ve built together now, but it’s inspiring to see how it started out. And, I think everybody walking out of the film is just going to feel inspired and be in love with love, you know?

TAKEAWAYS

Legend elaborates that “many people will be inspired by this film, no matter their political stripe, no matter if they’re a fan of the Obamas or not. It’s simply put, a really subtle, sweet date movie. You get to see a really famous couple go on their first date, and so tastefully done. The intimacy, the back and forth, and the rapport that they’re starting to develop. You can see all that in its infancy, and that’s why I think it’s a special, special film.”

Tika Sumpter: And, what we’re getting as we’ve been going around to screenings, is that people feel it’s refreshing. It’s like a fresh cup of water, especially now, with the craziness happening in the world, it’s just a bit of purity and sunlight. And people can relate to the realness of them at these ages.

This is definitely a movie you should go see with your boo or for a girls night out. We need more films like this with positive representation. Let’s help open the movie in a BIG WAY! Go see it in theaters opening weekend, this weekend (click here to find a theater near you). For more, make sure to like the movie on Facebook and follow along on Instagram and Twitter.

You Might Also Like

15 Comments

  • Tanya Barnett
    August 24, 2016 at 8:02 PM

    I love this! I can’t wait to see the movie.
    Tanya Barnett would like you to check out…What Was I Saying, “I Do” To?My Profile

  • Eva
    August 24, 2016 at 9:17 PM

    This is so nice! I can’t wait to see this one. I’ve heard lots of good things…
    Eva would like you to check out…4 Back to School Parenting Hacks for the Busy FamilyMy Profile

  • Ty
    August 24, 2016 at 10:02 PM

    My friends and I can’t wait to see this movie. I think it’s going to be good!!!
    Ty would like you to check out…Taraji P. Henson Collabs With MAC for the Taraji CollectionMy Profile

  • Latoya @ Life and a Budget
    August 24, 2016 at 10:36 PM

    This sounds like it’s going to be a great movie. I can’t wait for it to hit direct tv or netflix!
    Latoya @ Life and a Budget would like you to check out…Shop Online Using Ebates and Get Free Cash BackMy Profile

  • Donna
    August 25, 2016 at 1:36 PM

    I cant wait to see this movie. I want to see Tika in this role to give me a break in her character on The Have and the Have Nots.
    Donna would like you to check out…Nashville Hot Chicken in Atlanta At ParishMy Profile

  • Daria
    August 25, 2016 at 2:42 PM

    I’ve seen the previews. I can’t wait until this movie come out! I love Tika Sumpter!
    Daria would like you to check out…Unity in the Community~Louisiana Historic Flood 2016My Profile

  • Joanna
    August 25, 2016 at 4:36 PM

    This movie looks like it will be so cute. Not much of a movies person, but I’ll be checking it out.

  • Holly
    August 25, 2016 at 5:57 PM

    I want to see this movie. It looks like a nice movie. I agree dating is different nowadays. That texting is a gift and a curse.
    Holly would like you to check out…Things to Know Before You Go – Prague, Czech RepublicMy Profile

  • Kayvona
    August 25, 2016 at 10:28 PM

    I can not wait to see this movie!!
    Kayvona would like you to check out…Brown Smokey Eye With a Pop of Color Tutorial | Mommy Makeup SeriesMy Profile

  • Nesha
    August 25, 2016 at 11:01 PM

    I am so excited to see this film one more day. I plan to go right after work.

  • Tia
    August 26, 2016 at 7:41 AM

    I am super excited about this movie! I plan to see it this weekend.

  • Southside With You: 7 LESSONS LEARNED — Live Your Life in Beauty & Light | SistersWithBeauty
    August 29, 2016 at 1:11 AM

    […] day. A few days prior to seeing the movie I read an article from my boo at MomsNCharge, click here to read it (after this post of course). After reading this article, I expected one thing, to fall […]

  • Moms 'N Charge #ForeverDuncan is the Love Story of the Year - Moms 'N Charge
    October 3, 2016 at 1:28 PM

    […] Social media makes us forget that love requires work, love is a decision, not butterflies in your stomach. Did you know that the Duncan proposal was 9 years into their love story? I’m sure plenty of women who are praying for their own Alfred Duncan would never wait 9 years for a ring. And I can’t even begin to imagine all the sacrifices Michelle Obama has endured throughout their 24 years of marriage. You can find out how the Obama love story started though over here. […]

  • Moms 'N Charge Reasons Why I Know You'll Miss Obama - Moms 'N Charge
    January 19, 2017 at 12:13 AM

    […] how? What will we do? Just seeing President Obama’s birthday tweet to his girl from South Side Chicago made my heart melt, cause who doesn’t love a public display of affection that’s […]

  • Celebrating Black Love with Love Jones - Moms 'N Charge®
    March 15, 2017 at 12:00 AM

    […] why not highlight black love? We’ve previously talked about the Obama’s and the movie Southside With You depicting great love. We also shared #ForeverDuncan and their amazing proposal and wedding day. The […]

  • Leave a Reply to Tia Cancel Reply