Cooley High has frequently been compared to American Graffiti, and for good reason. Like that classic, Cooley High has a loose, multicharacter structure, autobiographical origins, and the rich texture of its time. Set in Chicago in 1964, the movie follows aspiring writer Preach (Glynn Turman) and local basketball star Cochise (Lawrence-Hilton Jacobs, who went on to star in Welcome Back, Kotter) as they wander their neighborhood, drifting in and out of their classes at Cooley Vocational High School. The two friends pull pranks, crash parties, commit petty crimes, and generally try to enjoy their lives in an impoverished urban environment. Preach falls in love with a smart girl named Brenda (Cynthia Davis), whom he wins over by reciting poetry--leading to one of the silliest and sweetest love scenes you'll ever see. When Preach and Cochise go on a joy ride with a pair of young hoods, they end up arrested. Their history teacher, Mr. Mason (a superb Garrett Morris), gets them off, but the hoods think the boys sold them out and come seeking revenge. Cooley High depicts the rough life of African Americans in the 1960s with honesty and humor, offering no easy solutions or pat lessons. It's a roughly made movie, but Turman and Jacobs are both excellent, and there's an attention to reality that makes it engaging, refreshing, and ultimately moving. The soundtrack is a great compilation of 1960s soul, including the Supremes, Martha and the Vandellas, Stevie Wonder, the Four Tops, and Smokey Robinson. An unjustly neglected film that deserves rediscovery. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Rating:
Summary: A GREAT BLACK OLD-SCHOOL CLASSIC MOVIE!
Comment: On a rainy day, I love to watch Cooley High and listen to the music of my generation. Times were hard, but they were simple. I get excited while trying to remember, what was I doing when that song came was out. Now, I can share Cooley High with my grand children and next generations! This is one of my best purchases!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: A Must Own
Comment: This movie contains one of the most moving endings of all time. It is a must-own for anyone who grew up in the 70s because it captures what life was like in the inner cities back then. A classic!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: great black drama
Comment: sad poignant drama about friendship and death.i can watch it over and over and still be moved.everyone must watch this.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: It IS hard to say goodbye to yesterday...
Comment: This movie came out my freshman year in college, was made my senior year of high school...so I've always felt a strong attachment to it. Even though I went to high school in Omaha, there are many universal events in the movie, too many to describe here, but Cooley High is one of my all-time favorites, along with Car-Wash, The Sting, Godfather I & II, Five Fingers of Death...I lost two close friends as I graduated from hs and could really relate to Cochise. I think of them everyday, even if only for a moment. This reminds me of a time and place I can't go back to, but it's nice to reflect from time to time...

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Customer Rating:
Summary: One of the best blackexploation films ever made
Comment: Cooley High is a film with heart, humor and tears. This is one of the films that inspired to become a filmaker. The emotions between the two main charcters Preach and GoCheese remins me of all my best friends. Glynn Turman and Laurence Hilton Jacobs are amazing in their roles and this film is highly reccomnded. The soundtrack is one of the best in a cinema history.

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