Tongues Untied (1990): cast, story & where to watch
1990 · Film · ★ 6.7
Released in 1990, Tongues Untied is a documentary film directed by Marlon Riggs, running about 55 minutes. “Black Men Loving Black Men” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. Marlon Riggs, with assistance from other gay Black men, especially poet Essex Hemphill, celebrates Black men loving Black men as a revolutionary act. The film intercuts footage of Hemphill reciting his poetry, Riggs telling the story of his growing up, scenes of men in social intercourse and dance, and various comic riffs, including a visit to the "Institute of Snap!thology," where men take lessons in how to snap their fingers: the sling snap, the point snap, the diva snap.
Who’s in it. Tongues Untied stars Marlon Riggs as Self, Michael Bell as Self, Essex Hemphill as Self - Poetry Performance and Brian Freeman as Self, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.7/10, Tongues Untied has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. In US you can stream it on OVID. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Tongues Untied page.
If you liked it. Fans of Tongues Untied tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Tongues Untied (1990)?
- In US, Tongues Untied is available to stream on OVID. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is Tongues Untied worth watching?
- Tongues Untied holds an audience score of 6.7 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy documentary. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Tongues Untied?
- Tongues Untied stars Marlon Riggs, Michael Bell, Essex Hemphill, Brian Freeman and Willi Ninja.
- When was Tongues Untied released?
- Tongues Untied was released in 1990, with a runtime of about 55 minutes.