Liberty Kid

Liberty Kid tells the story of best friends Derrick and Tico, a pair of young Latinos struggling to make it in, and in Derrick's case out of, the tough streets of Brooklyn. Their lives are dramatically altered by the events of 9/11, leaving them without a job when Liberty Island is closed indefinitely. Tico is content to just "live in the moment," but Derrick has a "vision." But while their mentalities may point them in different directions, circumstances lead them back into the streets.

Writer-director Ilya Chaiken rounds out her characters very well and keeps the atmosphere subdued but very real. The soundtrack gives voice to Derrick and Tico's suppressed thoughts and feelings and the cinematography is without frills, taking care not to disturb the action and letting the story naturally unfold.

This is a small-budget film with a big heart that provides a window into the world of young urbanites coming of age in the post-9/11 era. Liberty Kid is an unsentimental realist portrayal that handles its subject matter with respect and without prejudice.