# The Five Heartbeats (1991)

> An ambitious African American vocal group finds success and painful lessons when music-industry racism, greed, and internal weakness challenge its brotherhood.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/movie/18169

## Facts

- Runtime: 121 min
- Genres: Drama, Music
- Director: Robert Townsend
- Cast: Robert Townsend, Michael Wright, Leon, Harry Lennix, Tico Wells, Diahann Carroll, Harold Nicholas, John Canada Terrell
- TMDB rating: 7.3/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101891/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: brisk
- Intensity: strong
- Complexity: accessible
- Violence: mild
- Mood: nostalgic, energetic, sincere, music movie night, nostalgic weekend viewing

## Synopsis

A heartfelt journey through the highs and lows of friendship and ambition in the music industry.

## Movies like The Five Heartbeats

- [The Sapphires (2012)](https://ember.film/movie/73414)
- [Cadillac Records (2008)](https://ember.film/movie/8443)
- [Standing in the Shadows of Motown (2002)](https://ember.film/movie/18719)
- [Respect (2021)](https://ember.film/movie/415113)
- [Sparkle (2012)](https://ember.film/movie/62547)
- [School Daze (1988)](https://ember.film/movie/22834)
- [Drumline: A New Beat (2014)](https://ember.film/movie/182982)
- [Soul Men (2008)](https://ember.film/movie/8699)
- [The Commitments (1991)](https://ember.film/movie/6624)
- [The Harmonists (1997)](https://ember.film/movie/4703)

---

Site overview: https://ember.film/llms.txt