"Fresh" (10/10)

[notchreturns]

Fresh 10/10 or ****
Written & Directed by Boaz Yakin
Starring Sean Nelson, Giancarlo Esposito, N' Bushe Wright, and Samuel L. Jackson
1994



"Fresh" is the story of Michael(or Fresh as he is well known)a 12 year old drug runner.He lives in a half way house for children without their parents.He's a good kid who want's to get to school on time and treat young women with respect, but at a young age he is already succombing to the peer pressure of his friends and the streets.His father, Sam(Samuel L. Jackson) is a street bum who spends his days playing chess in the park.His father is still there for him if he evers need knowledge or support about the streets and what there all about.His sister, Nicole(N'Bushe Wright)is a street prostitute who lives life unaware of her problems and is controled by the same drug dealers who control her brother.After a series of drastic, life altering events Fresh must decide what his life is and what he needs to do about.


Acting:
Sean Nelson gives what could be the best child performance ever.His emotion's, his words, his actions, even the way he walks breathes nothing but pure innocence and strength.His face expressions are very strong as well.He owns this film.Samuel L. Jackson and N'Bushe Wright turn in solid performances respectively and Giancarlo Esposito turns in a strong performance as the slimy drug delaer Esteban.

Script:
Boaz Yakin although not of African American descent is able to put words into thses characters that are real and raw.The children in the film speak like real children.The adults whether educated on the streets or school speak like real adults speak and live.Very good job.

Direction:
Very strong.The story moves a good pace never lagging and Yakin pulls no punches.Characters do die and speak there feelings.The music is very good as well.There is no hip hop soundtrac, instead a well done score.

Overall:
A excellent film that is now one of my favorites.Everything to me was perfect.Sean Nelson is great and I can't wait to see what he molds into over the years.The supporting actors are all right on the mark.Boaz Yakin's script and direction are equally very good.If you want a powerful, thought provoking "hood film" make sure to check out Fresh.

A 10/10 or ****

[This message has been edited by notchreturns (edited 06-13-2002).]

[This message has been edited by notchreturns (edited 06-13-2002).]

[Fergus]

SPOILER WARNING

I just recently saw this notch, and I really like it, but it didn't get up high and reach my standards of a really great film, but there are a few things I wanted to get smoothed out before I get my final opinion on the film.

This is my dilemma:
When the end credits finally began rolling, I was in a state of confusion over the ending, and I hate when that happens, because I feel as if I've missed the entire point of the film. Usually (not always) the last shots that do carry some meaning are held for an extended period of time before cutting to black (which gives me time to figure it out), but "Fresh" ended at a moment when I hadn't quite figured out why he (Sean Nelson) started to cry after sitting down to supposedly play chess with his dad (Played by Samuel L. Jackson). Then I thought how Yakin had used the reoccurring metaphor (or symbol) of chess, and how it related to Michael's life. At least, that's how I took it. And since 'chess' was used to relate to Michael's life, and the shot following Esteban's arrest, of a king (in the game of chess) falling down, I was trying to relate Michael's crying to the fact that he had just won the game. He had just defeated Esteban (I hope you know who I'm talking about). The tears were sort of a newfound happiness, or just that he doesn't have to worry about those guys anymore. But I thought about it, and it doesn't make complete sense, because there is a shot showing his dad's (Samuel L. Jackson) reaction. His reaction was a look of unhappiness, to Michael crying. That threw me off, and I don't know how to take that. And like I said before, I feel as if I've missed the point of the film.

Having said that, I really want to know what you think of the ending notch, because I plainly "didn't get it". As for the rest of the film, it is a powerful look at a life of a kid who is growing up in life, yet isn't sure this is the way to go. And judging by his decisions later on in the film, he knows what he is doing is not the right thing, and he gets out of it, by having Esteban arrested. Sean Nelson, I agree, gave an outstanding performance as the young Fresh. He was deeply embedded in his character, and I agree that he has given one of the best performances of a child, though I'm not sure if it is the best. I'd have to sit on that one for awhile.

Yakin's writing of the film was excellent; I admire any writer who can successfully dodge cliched dialogue and delve into characters and overall, create a compelling film.

For now, though, my grade stands at (****) or (8/10)


[This message has been edited by Fergus (edited 06-13-2002).]

[notchreturns]

To tell you the truth Fergus I was taken back by the ending as well.I understood that Michael's life and chess were put together as a metaphor and he took down the "king" and all, but the shot of Sam Jackson through me off.Was he proud of his son?Was he upset because he broke the rules of the streets?Was he upset because his son has more courage and strength than him, a poor drunk?

Maybe some other schmoes can give an opinion and hopefully clear it out.

Other than the ending which through me off alittle, I still think "Fresh" deserved a 10/10 for it's courage of showing street life and just frankly what I thought was a brillant performance by a 12 year old.Haley Joel Osment doesn't have anything on Sean Nelson.

So c'mon schmoes give your thought on the film and the ending.

[This message has been edited by notchreturns (edited 06-13-2002).]