B.A.P.S. is a 1997 comedy film directed by Robert Townsend and starring Halle Berry and Martin Landau. The story follows Nisi and Mickey, two down-on-their-luck friends from Georgia who travel to Los Angeles with dreams of becoming famous and wealthy. They soon meet Mr. Blakemore, a wealthy businessman who hires them as caretakers for his mansion while he is away.
As they explore the lavish lifestyle afforded to them by the job, Nisi and Mickey decide to transform themselves into "Black American Princesses," or B.A.P.S. They make a splash in the Beverly Hills social scene and catch the eye of many wealthy men, including Mr. Blakemore. However, as their dreams start to come true, they begin to realize that there is more to life than money and fame.
B.A.P.S. was a box office disappointment but has since gained a cult following for its over-the-top humor and colorful characters, with Berry's performance as Nisi being particularly praised. The film's depiction of black culture and stereotypes has been criticized, however, and it has been described as both a celebration and a mockery of black identity.
