One Lyfe to Life

One Lyfe To Live is a inventive urban crime film shot on a low budget set in New York.

Lyfe (Nicholas Sanchez) is a young criminal working with a small crew lead by the psychopathic Generation (Kevin Bescombe who also co directed)

Lyfe isnt the worlds most sympathetic protagonist- hes violent manipulativbve impulsive and deeply self centred. Its almost like hes desensetized to everything unfolding round him- the only end to the road he's on is prison or death and he remains indifferent to both. Even an impending pregnancy with his ex girlfriend and the prospect of fatherhood barely moves him.

When a job goes horribly wrong it makes Lyfe a target of rival gangs , the police, members his own crew as it hurtles a him into a desperate course of redemption but it may already be too late.

The film visually takes a lot of risks and moves very fast- the cameras move alot- there's sweeping wide shots of the New York skyline and at one point Lyfe breaking the fourth wall and speaks directly to the audience. The energy reminded me of a young Spike Lee.

Directors Kevin Bencosme and Deborah Cardona choose to defy the ugly stereotypes of this genre.

We come across well meaning characters trying to do their best the most noted is Jimmy (Shawn Better) a former promising university academic turned drug addict who is inevitably swallowed whole by the streets.

I was drawn in from the very start of the film. As a former New Yorker I absolutely love how New York this film feels. The production value was quite impressive and the runtime ran perfect throughout the narrative of this gripping film. The actors all brought their A game and delivered memorable and unique performances. This is a very character driven film that feels fresh and original full of raw emotions. The score and direction of this narrative are brilliant and come together in a very authentic and believable way that makes me want to see more from this incredibly talented team. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a solid and authentic drama.

This film delves deep into the challenges faced by a young man navigating the harsh realities of life in New York. With powerful storytelling and raw emotions, it is a compelling watch. As a white man, it is very eye opening. It shows the complexities of a world that has been oversimplified by mainstream narratives. I also loved the gritty cinematography that effectively captured the essence of urban life. The characters are also real and allowed me to connect with the struggles and aspirations of Lyfe. He is real and relatable, even to someone unfamiliar with his world. This film not only serves as an entertaining story of survival but also is very thought-provoking. I highly suggest it.

"One Lyfe to Live" is a hard-hitting drama about a lost soul who wants to leave his rough street life, but his neighborhood and associates keeps pulling him back in. Masterfully directed by Deborah Cardona and Kevin Bencosme, who kept the pacing tight and the character's moral dilemma real and heartfelt. The relationship between Lyfe and his girlfriend, and his friendship with a mentor from the streets are relatable and sincere, and the twists heartbreaking and intriguing.

This film tells an engrossing urban tale that kept me captivated entire time. The writing and directing are unflinching, and the capable ensemble cast kept the story going at a fast pace. As we follow Lyfe's journey through a world of violence and adversity, his future is marked by uncertainty, yet he faces life with a resilient spirit. Nicholas Sanchez is powerful and intriging as the lead character Lyfe, and I found myself rooting for him at the end of the film. Lyfe's character is well developed, allowing viewers to empathize with both his pain and hope for a better life. The film features several characters who offers support and show Lyfe there is a better way, I found their moments to be inspirational that offers a glimmer of hope for the youths in the at-risk communities. The supporting cast excels in bringing colors and perspectives to those he loves, who utimately shapes Lyfe's experiences,

Overall, I enjoyed watching "One Lyfe To Live" and found it to be a powerful film that shines a spotlight on the challenges faced by young black men in society. This is an important drama that is thought provoking and powerful, and well worth a watch.

Here is my honest critique. Overall, this was a good movie. The story was well written with some good subplots. The pacing was good, a few slow moments, but good. This story depicted a realistic and relatable view of how some young men are caught in this never ending web of street life. Good way to depict the mother's fears of loosing their children to the street life. I am glad that this movie did not romanticize the street life, but displayed both sides, action and consequences. I thought some of the actors could have been a little stronger in their performances and there were a few audio issues throughout. The musical score was captivating and really gave this movie a soul. Good job.