Imperial Dreams

Didn't know what to expect with this. Just saw Boyega doing a drama and thought of giving this a watch. I don't live in the same world as Bambi, so I wouldn't know what it is really like to be in his shoes. But I assume the writers knew what its like, and wow, my mind was shook. What a sad reality it can be for someone like Bambi. The system was created to fail people and it takes a lot for someone to rise above it all to find some peace and ultimately life away from crime.

This is a slow burn, but a wonderfully crafted film, probably a hint of reality and Bambi is a reflection of this life.

The only thing that irks me with this film is the supporting casts. While Boyega was amazing as Bambi, the rest was just floating by.

John Boyega embodies this true character in every sense of the word. The acting from everyone, even the child acted as Ethan and Justin Coach. Acting and writing to me in a film is the most important because if it's done right, it can draw you in so much that you don't even realize you're watching the film, but feel as if you're living it. In this film, I absolutely felt that. The film in it's core is about how far a father will go to give his son a good honest life, even if that means going down the harder roads to get there. I don't have a great relationship with my father, so watching a film about a dad working so hard to be there for his son made me upset but that's because it was done so well and was so believable; which I loved. The story is a sad one as it's the struggle of a father who just got out of jail and has very limited options on how to get his life on track. You watch a man who tries so hard to get on track but because of the messed up system, it's almost impossible. I would compare this film to The Pursuit of Happiness(Yes that's how it's spelled) but I personally enjoyed this more. Ironically, this felt more real to me than The Pursuit of Happiness even though that's based on a real story. This film was so much more raw, real, and held up by acting more so than story that it's so incredible to watch. The film, being a drama, of course, is very sad. With everyone who worked on the film they really did a great job. It's a perfectly paced film and exactly what you would expect. Absolutely give this film a watch and hold high expectations because it's an incredible film. Thank you John Boyega!

Saw this at the Leiden film festival 2014 (LIFF), where is was selected as part of the American Indie Competition. It offers a depressing view on what an ex-convict can expect immediately after his release. He can try to choose for an honest future, but all circumstances work against such a resolution. It is too easy to fall back on less honest work that however brings easy money on the short term. All the people around him, be it his wife, uncle, or mother, make it very difficult to stay on the right track. All this is demonstrated very well. We soon get the feeling what his dilemma's are all about.

I have only one minus point, but relatively trivial. The relationship between father and son is heart warming and powerful, but I have my doubts it's for real: normally a son would soon be fed up with moving around, and he should have protested at least once. I'm not sure this is realistic.

The actors performed very well and were convincing in their respective roles, even the less sympathetic ones were allowed to grow on us. Recidivism is is very well explained. From our comfy chair we can easily talk about starting with a clean slate, to continue along the line of the fresh starting position offered after being released from prison. The circumstances, however, do not always cooperate. Showing this in itself is a major contribution of this movie. It presented us a window on a part of society outside our view.

I was introduced to this movie by a professor of mine and judging by the lineup of talent I was surprised I hadn't heard about it sooner. I immediately fell in love with the father-son relationship between Bambi and Day. Bambi's constant struggles to get him and Day out of the hood had me in near tears. John Boyega's performance is phenomenal, and the plot is grounded and raw. This movie, while fictional to us, is real life to others and it is important to shine a light on it. I would recommend that everyone watch this movie at least once. It's a real hidden gem on Netflix.

This scintillating exploration of the societal hurdles faced by castigated members of society is superbly acted, well filmed, and an outstanding directorial debut by Malik Vittel. Starring future star British actor John Boyega in a sublime performance, the cast perfectly projects the near futility of trying to break out of our own caste system. Like an updated version of Boyz n the Hood, this film accurately portrays life in it's on-location setting in the projects of Los Angeles. A must see, and a lesson in how well-made a small-budget indie film can be. Those fortunate enough to have viewed the film will readily understand why it took the Audience Award in the NEXT competition at a Sundance.