The Best Man is a 1999 romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Malcolm D. Lee. The film follows Harper Stewart (Taye Diggs), an up-and-coming author who is about to publish his debut novel, Unfinished Business. Harper travels to New York City to spend the weekend with old friends from college and to serve as the best man at his friend Lance Sullivan's wedding. However, things get complicated when it is revealed that the characters in Harper's novel are based on his friends, including the bride, Mia Morgan, with whom Harper had a one-night stand in college. The film explores the dynamics of friendship, love, and commitment as Harper navigates his relationships and tries to keep his secret under wraps. The Best Man received mostly positive reviews and was followed by a sequel, The Best Man Holiday, and a limited series, The Best Man: The Final Chapters.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Genre | Comedy-drama |
Type | Film, TV miniseries |
Director | Malcolm D. Lee |
Producer | Spike Lee |
Writer | Malcolm D. Lee, Dayna Lynne North |
Main cast | Taye Diggs, Nia Long, Morris Chestnut, Harold Perrineau, Terrence Howard, Sanaa Lathan, Melissa De Sousa, Regina Hall, Monica Calhoun |
Plot | Harper Stewart, a writer, is best man at his friend Lance's wedding, and worries his new book will reveal a secret about Lance's bride |
What You'll Learn
Harper Stewart is an up-and-coming author
Harper's friends, Julian "Murch" Murchison and Jordan Armstrong, have read an advance copy of his book, and Jordan, an ex-flame, wants to re-ignite their romance. Harper is devoted to his girlfriend, Robyn, but she is frustrated by his reluctance to commit. Jordan kisses Harper and wants to sleep with him, but he resists. However, Jordan circulates the book, and Lance discovers that Harper and Mia had a one-night stand in college. Enraged, Lance attacks Harper, almost throwing him off the balcony.
Harper arrives at the wedding badly beaten, and Robyn is disappointed when he confesses. However, she agrees to help him save the wedding, and they successfully get through the ceremony. Harper gives a heartfelt speech, and Lance forgives him. Harper then proposes to Robyn, and she accepts.
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Harper travels to New York City to spend the weekend with old college friends
Harper Stewart, an up-and-coming author from Chicago, travels to New York City to spend the weekend with his old college friends. His debut novel, Unfinished Business, has been selected by Oprah's Book Club, but his girlfriend Robyn is frustrated by his reluctance to commit to her. Harper is set to be the best man at his friend Lance Sullivan's wedding, and all his friends will be in attendance.
Harper reunites with his friends Julian "Murch" Murchison and Jordan Armstrong, who has shared an advance copy of Unfinished Business with their inner circle of friends—upon whom the book is based. Harper and his friends spend the weekend catching up, and it is revealed that Harper is having doubts about remaining a bachelor.
During the weekend, Jordan confronts Harper about their mutual attraction, and they share a kiss. Jordan invites Harper to meet her later, but he first attends Lance's bachelor party, where he steals Lance's copy of Unfinished Business. Lance reads the book and discovers that Harper and his bride-to-be, Mia Morgan, had a one-night stand in college. Enraged, he attacks Harper, almost throwing him off the balcony.
Despite the drama, Harper manages to save the wedding, and the film ends with Harper and Robyn dancing at the wedding reception.
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Jordan Armstrong wants to have sex with Harper
Jordan and Harper have a history, having almost slept together in college. Jordan has also circulated an advance copy of Harper's debut novel, Unfinished Business, within their inner circle of friends—upon whom the book is based. This creates further tension as Harper worries that the group, including his friend and groom-to-be, Lance, will discover that he and Lance's bride-to-be, Mia, had a one-night stand in college.
Despite the risks, Harper and Jordan's attraction is strong, and they struggle to resist each other. Jordan is explicit about her desires, telling Harper that she wants to have sex with him that night before Robyn arrives. Harper is torn between his devotion to Robyn and his desire for Jordan. Ultimately, he gives in to temptation and spends the night with Jordan, but their encounter has consequences.
The morning after, a badly beaten Harper arrives at Jordan's apartment. He blames her for circulating his book, which has led to a violent confrontation with Lance. Jordan, however, berates Harper for airing his own dirty laundry and leading her on. Their encounter leaves Harper conflicted and struggling to reconcile his feelings for both women.
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Harper worries the groom will discover his secret
Harper Stewart, an up-and-coming author, travels to New York City to spend the weekend with old college friends before they all attend the wedding of his friend, Lance Sullivan. Harper is the best man at the wedding. He worries that Lance will discover that his debut novel, Unfinished Business, is based on Lance's bride, Mia Morgan, and that he and Mia had a one-night stand in college.
Harper's fears are realised when Jordan Armstrong, his ex-flame and one of the wedding guests, obtains an advance copy of the book. Jordan, who is aware of Harper's secret, confesses her feelings for him and they share a kiss. Lance confronts Harper in the bathroom, but only to thank him for his friendship. However, before Harper can come clean, they are interrupted.
At the bachelor party, Harper steals Lance's copy of Unfinished Business, but is disgusted by his friend, Quentin Spivey, who has deduced his secret. As the party continues, Harper and Jordan meet up and Lance reads the book, discovering the truth about Mia and Harper's past. Enraged, he attacks Harper, almost throwing him off the balcony.
The next day, a badly beaten Harper confesses to his devoted girlfriend, Robyn, who has arrived at the airport. She is disappointed but agrees to help him save the wedding. Harper manages to reason with Lance, assuring him of his and Mia's love, and the wedding goes ahead. Harper gives a heartfelt speech, praising the couple's love, and earns Lance's forgiveness.
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Harper and Jordan share a kiss
The tension between Harper and Jordan has been building throughout the weekend. Harper is in New York City to spend time with old college friends before they all attend the wedding of his friend Lance. Jordan has passed around an advance copy of Harper's debut novel, Unfinished Business, which is based on his group of friends. As the weekend goes on, Harper worries that Lance will discover that he and his bride, Mia, are characters in the book—and that Harper and Mia had a one-night stand in college.
When Harper and Jordan are finally alone, they confront each other about their mutual attraction. Jordan is honest about her desires, and Harper is unable to resist. He calls her, and they share an intimate moment. But their tryst has consequences. A badly beaten Harper arrives at Jordan's apartment the next day, blaming her for circulating his book. She berates him for airing his dirty laundry and leading her on.
Harper's encounter with Jordan leaves him conflicted. He meets Robyn at the airport, and she notices his injuries. He confesses, and although disappointed, Robyn agrees to help him save the wedding. Together, they work to prevent Lance from calling off the wedding. In the end, Harper and Robyn get engaged, and Jordan finds closure, telling Harper that Robyn is the woman for him.
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Frequently asked questions
'The Best Man' is a 1999 romantic comedy-drama film about Harper Stewart, a Chicago writer and committed bachelor who is about to publish a novel based on his friends' lives. The story takes place during the wedding weekend of his friend Lance, where Harper is the best man.
The film stars Taye Diggs as Harper Stewart, Nia Long as Jordan Armstrong, Morris Chestnut as Lance Sullivan, Harold Perrineau as Julian "Murch" Murchison, Terrence Howard as Quentin Spivey, Sanaa Lathan as Robyn, and Melissa De Sousa as Shelby.
Yes, a Christmas-themed sequel, 'The Best Man Holiday', was released in 2013, followed by a limited series, 'The Best Man: The Final Chapters', in 2022.