1982

This is a powerful and moving drama. I was captivated by the performances of the actors, particularly with Hill Harper as the concerned father and Troi Zee as the little girl trapped between her love for her mother and downward spiral of drug addiction that changes her into a stranger. I would recommend this movie to anyone who wants to see a well acted family drama about how the power of love can keep a family together with hope even during the most trying of times.

I grew up in the 1980's, seeing firsthand, as a tween on the brink of adolescence, the devastation that crack cocaine had upon individuals and entire communities. Word on the street was that one hit and you were hooked. I already had an addictive personality, (mine were benign and included candy cigarettes and Atari), so I avoided that one hit because of shear fear. Fear was not a factor for those who found themselves helpless once the drug took control of their decisions, their emotions and ultimately their lives.

1982 takes a more intimate approach at telling the story of the very beginnings of the crack epidemic, focusing on a small, working class family that was literally torn apart and yet never fully dismantled because of the relentless, selfless, valiant efforts of Tim Brown (Hill Harper) - a man who would not allow the drug, or the conduits of that drug, to take away from him all that he truly loved and cherished. This included his beautiful wife Shanae (Sharon Leal), his very precocious daughter, Maya (Troi Zee) and his small business dreams.

The film's composition is unhindered by the usual cinematic flash and exploitative folly seen in feature films and is not at all "overly produced," which is quite fitting, considering the context of when the story takes place – a time when everyday life was very different than it is now – the 80s. The cast is top notch; the acting, superb. 1982 takes you for a ride through an emotional labyrinth of which we were uncertain to find escape, solace or safety. 1982 glues you to your seat bringing you to level of emotional investment and "presence" as the story painfully plays out on the big screen.

There are so many things I found striking about this film that this short review could easily mimic a thesis-driven cinematic analysis, so let me point out I personally found both significant and endearing – the lessons we can learn about enabling, blame and forgiveness – the complex, interwoven trio often found in situations where substance abuse is omnipresent in the very fabric of everyday life. Many of us are enablers, but we do it out of love, although its consequences result in quite the opposite. We all look for someone, something to blame in times of crisis and turmoil but often find ourselves empty-handed. We all challenge ourselves to truly forgive, because it is the only TRUE resolution, but our ego often stands in the way.

1982 both addresses and demonstrates how we can best share those lessons with children, in a meaningful way that does not belittle their feelings or disregard their own unique insight and perspectives on such intense, life-changing situations. The film provides a lens from which to view the micro dynamics of a macro level problem and clearly communicates our collective role, as members of a society - as members of a family - in the emergence and pervasiveness of the substance abuse. More importantly, 1982 offers strong messages about the efficacy of hope and the power of love – ingredients combined to form the ultimate

I rent this movie because of the high rating. I have to say I am very disappointed. The fact that there was only ONE review on the board should tell me something. 1. The wife's change was too drastic and not justified at all. 2. The husband's actions are too perfect. He is beyond a saint, which makes it very unbelievable. 3. The wife is very unlikable. Even before the drug takes control of her. 4. I find it very hard to relate to the story. Maybe I am too naive. But the wife's actions are way beyond my imagination. I personally have never taken drugs in my life. I find it very hard to believe she was a perfect mother and then overnight became so irresponsible that she had absolutely no regards to her daughter at all. I get that drugs take control of your actions, emotions and life. But still, the change is too sudden and drastic that I find it very hard to believe.

I just read a review where someone stated that they couldn't see how a mom could go from being good to bad so fast well let me tell you by experience this movie got it right. Drugs can take an upper middle class very well educated loving devoted mother and wife and turn her into a monster over night. I love the fact that this movie shows how addiction affects family and the fact that it was the mom and not the dad who was an addict. In reality a larger number of addict are upper middle class women not men. A must see movie especially for those whom have no idea how addiction changes the user in an instant nor the effects it has on their family and friends. Well done Hill Harper and thank you for this heart achingly wonderful movie... From a 6yr recovering addict

I feel the movie is very believable it is possible for someone that truly loves his wife and child unconditionally with all of him. I read the 1 review and when making a movie you have to cram a story into a hour even if the events last years. I have seen people on drugs and the struggle that some go through. Some have a support system and some don't ,some can kick the drug addiction and some cant. Drugs will change your personality overnight and have you looking at the person in shock. I would say the movie is great the actors are effortless the story is heartfelt filled with love with the fight for survival in a world of drugs. To try to save a loved one from drugs takes a toll on everyone around.