🎬 The Premise
Released in 1999, Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years enters the History genre with a narrative focused on
Tells the story of Sadie and Bessie Delany, two African-American (they preferred "colored") sisters who both lived past the age of 100.
Under the direction of Lynne Littman, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
🎭 Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Diahann Carroll.
The chemistry between the leads drives the emotional core of the movie, making the stakes feel genuine.
🎥 Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years offers a
competent presentation. The cinematography
uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone.
The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
🌍 Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years resonates with current
cultural themes in the History space.
It effectively mirrors local sentiment while maintaining a global appeal, a rare feat in recent releases.
📺 Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years is available in theaters worldwide.
For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Video roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
📖 Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years centers on a unique premise within the History landscape.
Tells the story of Sadie and Bessie Delany, two African-American (they preferred "colored") sisters who both lived past the age of 100. They grew up on a North Carolina college campus, the daughters of the first African-American Episcopal bishop, who was born a slave, and a woman with an inter-racial background. With the support of each other and their family, they survived encounters with racism and sexism in their own different ways. Sadie quietly and sweetly broke barriers to become the first African-American home-ec teacher in New York City, while Bessie, with her own brand of outspokenness, became the second African-American dentist in New York City. At the ages of 103 and 101, they told their story to Amy Hill Hearth, a white New York Times reporter who published an article about them. The overwhelming response launched a bestselling book, a Broadway play, and this film.
The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1999 cinema will find satisfying and robust.
💡 Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the
triumph of the protagonist over internal conflicts.
Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
📝 Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years (1999): with an audience rating of 7.5/10, the reception has been generally positive.
It is a must-watch for fans of History, Drama, TV Movie cinema who appreciate attention to detail.