(1998) Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned
DRAMA
From HBO and based on the book of the same name by Walter Mosley, who also provided the screenplay. A narration by old timer about an ex-convict, Socrates Fortlow (Lawrence Fishurne) returning to his old neighborhood after paying his dues by rehabilitating his life, and in the process of seeking for some employment, his well intended presence also affects others around the neighborhood. A very good film without any 'cheezy sentimentality' full of great acting. Part of the attraction of watching actor, Sidney Poitier films in repeated viewings, is that although they consist to have some well written thinking dialogue, the other reason is that they're great films without the "n" word spoken, and the dialogue can just still be as effectively moving. And you know, when a person were to watch enough films with African Americans in them such as "Do The Right Thing", "New Jersey Drive" and the "Friday" films starring Ice Cube, hearing the "n" word cited all the time can get tiresome and annoying even though it's supposed to be realistic and a reflection of real life, but at the same time it can also be a distraction to the message of the film itself. When I as a viewer hear African American actors go "N this" and "N that" because to me that's not proper English even though in real life some talk like this all the time, upon watching this film "Always Outnumbered..." made me realize how much I missed those type of films when African Americans can speak dialogue without having to resort to the "N" word spoken so much, the dialogue can still be just as powerful despite how impoverished this African American community is says to me that they too can also carry on a civilized conversation. Yes, what I'm saying is this film is a reminiscent of Sidney Poitier films but because it was made for HBO some of the scenes could've been more effective like a feeling of an actual film if someone were to pay money to watch than a made for tv had they taken more time with it's approach. The character Lawrence Fishburne playing the character Socrates is a marvel to watch and in my opinion can just be as effective as any Denzil Washington performance, Fishburne can also be an artist at his craft and this film proves it. Some of the issues showcased in this film are not used for cheap solutions, for it doesn't ask for any because the characters themselves can handle it themselves.
From HBO and based on the book of the same name by Walter Mosley, who also provided the screenplay. A narration by old timer about an ex-convict, Socrates Fortlow (Lawrence Fishurne) returning to his old neighborhood after paying his dues by rehabilitating his life, and in the process of seeking for some employment, his well intended presence also affects others around the neighborhood. A very good film without any 'cheezy sentimentality' full of great acting. Part of the attraction of watching actor, Sidney Poitier films in repeated viewings, is that although they consist to have some well written thinking dialogue, the other reason is that they're great films without the "n" word spoken, and the dialogue can just still be as effectively moving. And you know, when a person were to watch enough films with African Americans in them such as "Do The Right Thing", "New Jersey Drive" and the "Friday" films starring Ice Cube, hearing the "n" word cited all the time can get tiresome and annoying even though it's supposed to be realistic and a reflection of real life, but at the same time it can also be a distraction to the message of the film itself. When I as a viewer hear African American actors go "N this" and "N that" because to me that's not proper English even though in real life some talk like this all the time, upon watching this film "Always Outnumbered..." made me realize how much I missed those type of films when African Americans can speak dialogue without having to resort to the "N" word spoken so much, the dialogue can still be just as powerful despite how impoverished this African American community is says to me that they too can also carry on a civilized conversation. Yes, what I'm saying is this film is a reminiscent of Sidney Poitier films but because it was made for HBO some of the scenes could've been more effective like a feeling of an actual film if someone were to pay money to watch than a made for tv had they taken more time with it's approach. The character Lawrence Fishburne playing the character Socrates is a marvel to watch and in my opinion can just be as effective as any Denzil Washington performance, Fishburne can also be an artist at his craft and this film proves it. Some of the issues showcased in this film are not used for cheap solutions, for it doesn't ask for any because the characters themselves can handle it themselves.