*There’s a new Christmas classic to add to one’s must-watch holiday films list this year.
Recently released to BET+, “Blackjack Christmas” stars Dawnn Lewis (“A Different World,” “Hanging With Mr. Cooper) and Charmin Lee (Actress/ Producer).
This gambling dramedy follows two sisters who find their way back to each other after addiction almost tears the family apart. Though the film takes viewers on a ride with laughs and tears, both Lewis and Lee agree that one of the key takeaways in the film is the theme of addiction.
“[The script] was really captivating, because it deals with real-life issues,” Lee said. “Issues that I myself have personally overcome with family members and addiction. Then of course sibling rivalry, which we all can relate to. … Whether I was in it or not, it was just a story that I would want to see.”
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In the film, Lee plays Delores, the sister who finds herself on a road to destruction due to her gambling problem which causes her to reach out to her sister in the film Corrine, played by Lewis.
“I can tell you that when people suffer losses, everybody deals with it differently,” Lee said. “For her [Delores] she lost the love of her life, her husband. Being an immigrant, feeling family-less, that relationship was more than just a marriage for her. When she died, then she went on her journey. You’ll have to watch the movie to see how she comes out of it.”
Even though “Blackjack Christmas” is a holiday film at its core, the topics explored are everyday problems that people face in their lives.
“For me, Christmas means Christ more- more Christ,” Lewis said. “The spirit of love, the spirit of transitions. The spirit of growth of mercy, of grace, of forgiveness. None of us get it right all of the time. … As you watch a “Blackjack Christmas” my wish is that you see yourself, or you see someone who you genuinely care about and you use it as an impotence, as a springboard. As a platform to seek truth, because that’s where it starts. You’ve gotta be truthful to yourself so you can be truthful with others. After that truth then find healing and find grace to move into a better season.”
Not only does the movie unpack addiction but Lewis said it also “deals with several isms,” such as “Ageism, colorism, sexism. It deals with a lot.”
“Then it turns around has you cracking up,” Lewis added.
“You’re going to feel everything, it will be an emotional rollercoaster,” Lee said.
Both ladies admit that they cried while watching “Blackjack Christmas.”
“I would just want people to walk away with more compassion and understanding for those going through addiction challenges,” Lee said. “Because it is a disease; Whatever they’re going through. I’m not saying take it on. Cause I’ve been on the other side of- sometimes you gotta distance yourself from it so they can grow and you can heal. But at the end of the day it’s about compassion and just trying to understand. We never know what’s going on inside of someone else.”
Check out my full conversation with Lewis and Lee via the clip below, and stream “Blackjack Christmas” on BET+ right now!
Happy Holidays!
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