L'Inspection

Ellis French is a young, gay Black man, rejected by his mother and with few options for his future, decides to join the Marines, doing whatever it takes to succeed in a system that would cast him aside. But even as he battles deep-seated prejudice and the grueling routines of basic training, he finds unexpected camaraderie, strength, and support in this new community, giving him a hard-earned sense of belonging that will shape his identity and forever change his life of it.

Beautiful, filled with layers, reflecting the best and worst of military patriarchy, in a light way, while disciplining and welcoming, hurting and revolting... And the church, portrayed in the character of the mother, who tries to cure and exclude the son, as well as some religions... A beautiful, delicate and reflective biography... About second chances and choices we make during our life...

I saw it as a pure American story. Not about dreams but about realities, change of life, social/ cultural obstacles, forms of segregation, manner to succed, difference and its assumation , new beginning and the turn of life moment.

And, sure, about family relation, prejudices, radical gestures and their consequences.

It is more than a film inspired by real facts.

It is more than a portrait of life in US NMarine.

It represents, first, a kick to reflection to the viewer, a sort of honest confession about tough decisions and the sketches of survive as way to remain yourself.

So, not a memorable film but one beautiful crafted.

As a Marine, it's hard for me to watch movies that feature the Marines, as they're usually highly inaccurate. This movie nailed the bootcamp experience and culture of the Marines. I'm glad the writer was also the director, because that definitely contributed to the accuracy of the story. Bokeem delivered in the role as the Senior Drill Instructor. Jeremy Pope gave a passionate performance in the lead role. This had a great story, outstanding actors, and is a very good film that I will definitely recommend to others, especially those who served in my beloved Marine Corps. Semper Fi and Oooh Rah!

Curious that this is written and directed by the man who this is about. It's also curious that it starts off by telling us that it is "inspired by actual events" indicating that some of this is fiction coming from the person it is about. One would think it would all be factual given its creator, but perhaps there were legalities involved. Beyond that cautious curiosity, this is a straight forward well made movie. Nothing fancy or too intricate, but a tale well told of a homeless young gay man, rejected by his homophobic mother, who is smart enough to know he has to do something with his life in his world of limited opportunities, so he joins the Marines. Most of the the rest of the entire film takes place in boot camp. Other than how he is exposed as being gay, much of the rest is believable and Jeremy Pope in the lead gives a strong performance. Raul Castillo, in a fascinatingly written role (but is it true?!) is also excellent and Bokeem Woodbine is as unpleasant as he is supposed to be. The ending is a bit abrupt, but its simplicity works. Feels more like something made for the small screen rather the big one, but it is a solid film, fact or fiction.

The understated nature of this film is, overall, an asset, though at the same time, it undermines the clarity and impact of the overall story. Still, this is a clear eyed look at the trauma that a parent's disapproval can wreak, and the courage and determination of the protagonist to find an accepting "family" is both admirable and inspirational. Very fine, believable performances from all the cast, and the script never strikes any false or sentimentally objectionable notes. The crisp, ninety or so minute length is also a wise decision, the story doesn't need any more than that to be told convincingly. Good (if not brilliant) job!