Brown Sugar

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Brown Sugar

PG-13,

2002,

1h 49m,

Romance/

Comedy/

Drama

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Watchlist

66%

87 Reviews

Tomatometer

90%

50,000+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

66%

Tomatometer

87 Reviews

90%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Sidney and Dre can attribute their friendship and the launch of their careers to one single childhood instant ... witnessing the birth of hip-hop on a New York street corner. Now some 15 years later, she is a revered music critic, and he is a successful, though unfulfilled, music executive. Both come to realize that their true life passions will only be fulfilled by remembering what they learned that day on the corner.

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Critics Consensus

Though predictable and possibly too sweet, Brown Sugar is charming, well-acted, and smarter than typical rom-com fare.

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Adam Nayman

eye WEEKLY

Nov 19, 2002

2.5/5

True to its title, this hip-hop When Harry Met Sally is plenty sweet, but is that what we really want from a film set in the world of rap music?

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Eleanor Ringel Cater

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Oct 26, 2002

B+

It's predictable, but it jumps through the expected hoops with style and even some depth.

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Ann Hornaday

Washington Post

Oct 11, 2002

You don't have to know about music to appreciate the film's easygoing blend of comedy and romance.

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Rachel Wagner

rachelsreviews.net

Feb 24, 2026

Do we want a rom-com about cheaters? I don't think so.

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Justin Brown

Medium Popcorn

Feb 14, 2023

2/5

I love a good romantic comedy that gives me meat and potatoes. But this just gave me a salad. I wanted to enjoy this more but the script, particularly regarding Dre's character, fell flat for me.

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Brandon Collins

Medium Popcorn

Feb 14, 2023

3/5

It's a solid romantic comedy that doesn't quite hold the main characters accountable for their actions for other love interests. But I absolutely love this soundtrack.

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Rey S

Aug 21, 2017

Hip hop and love all in one movie.

Hagrid L

Feb 19, 2017

It's good movie to watch

Hagrid G

Feb 26, 2012

This is a rom-com that doesn't hold a flame to the classics. It makes a point of the power of music (hip hop) and how a genre of music can influence and guide life paths. It is a easy, simple movie.

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Rick Famuyiwa

Director

Taye Diggs

Dre

Sanaa Lathan

Sidney

Yasiin Bey

Chris

Nicole Ari Parker

Reese

Boris Kodjoe

Kelby

Big Eden

65%

79%

Big Eden

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Orchestra Seats

74%

70%

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Why Did I Get Married?

48%

78%

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Look at Me

88%

69%

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Off the Map

70%

85%

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Synopsis

Sidney and Dre can attribute their friendship and the launch of their careers to one single childhood instant ... witnessing the birth of hip-hop on a New York street corner. Now some 15 years later, she is a revered music critic, and he is a successful, though unfulfilled, music executive. Both come to realize that their true life passions will only be fulfilled by remembering what they learned that day on the corner.

Director: Rick Famuyiwa
Producer: Peter Heller
Screenwriter: Michael Elliot, Rick Famuyiwa, Michael Elliot
Distributor: Fox
Production Co: Evergreen Productions
Rating: PG-13 (Sexual Content|Language)
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 11, 2002, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 25, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $27.4M
Runtime: 1h 49m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby SR, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Dolby Stereo
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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