1998, 103 min
Country: US
Studio: Lions Gate Films
Cast: Saul Williams, Sonja Sohn, Bonz Malone, Beau Sia, Lawrence Wilson
Director: Marc Levin
Rating: R
Our Rating:
Slam
FROM THE LINER NOTESThis is what Sundance was made for: bringing attention to a decidedly independent look at a brilliant subculture. Written by the performers, this is a gritty account of African-American rappers/poets (is there a difference?) that predated Eminem by a full year.3 REASONS TO BUY THIS FILM
REVIEW
A solid indie effort, Slam boasts strong acting, believable situations and some excellent writing in this story of an African-American poet/rap artist (Williams) who is busted for marijuana possession and sent to jail. While there, he refuses to choose a gang to join (thereby losing "protection"); instead he chooses to fight violence with his "slam" poetry. What may sound like earnest hokum and preachy sincerity is actually a powerful representation of the strength of art in the face of chaos. The poetry performances are riveting and moving, and reflect the characters' difficult choices. A subplot of fighting the possession charge dramatizes the injustice of his plight, and is done with a minimum of histrionics. AWARDS:
PRODUCT FORMAT INFORMATION
Editor's Suggestions
You Might Also Like
|
