Imperial Dreams

To see the struggles African-American men go thru when they are trying to do better for themselves and their children in a film is very inspiring.To see what he went thru in the streets of California is similar to what I have seen in Chicago. It is nice to see a movie portraying someone wanting a way out. There should be examples of minorities seeking a new life. Also, his vision to be a writer is inspiring to not give your dreams away. I enjoyed watching this film on Netflix. The actor from the Star Wars movie did this role justice. This is a film that can reach the spirit of anyone. I would not mind recommending this movie. Continue making films that are true stories and that many can relate to.

The 2015 Oscars was a controversial affair. For the first time in over a decade, a cast of all- white performers competed for acting awards.

Next year, expect a slew of honors to recognize diversity.

Meet John Boyega, a future superstar in the making and protagonist of 'Imperial Dreams' – a likely candidate for award season attention.

Actor Michael B. Jordan was previously snubbed a nomination as Oscar Grant in his celebrated performance in Fruitvale Station, a similar film depicting former convicts struggling to reform in an unforgiving American system.

Both films won the Audience Award at the Sundance film festival.

However, Boyega is better, and so too is 'Imperial Dreams'.

Director Malik Vitthal portrays Los Angeles as a city devoid of any hope and opportunities, the bright promising rays of a California sun blotted out by ghettos dilapidated with poverty.

Bambi (Boyega) is a recently released gangster, devoted to living an ethical lifestyle for his young son Day (Ethan and Justin Coach). As he struggles to find work, he attempts to make a living as a writer, finding solace in his words to distract him from illegal persuasions of his past.

Badgered by his Uncle Shrimp (Glenn Plummer, excellent and reserved like a coiled snake, ready to strike with a venomous bite), Bambi is kicked out of the house unless he makes a drug run to Portland.

With nowhere to live, he is forced to live with his son in his car in a vacant parking lot.

He's stalked by detectives Gill (Sufe Bradshaw) and Hernandez (Maximiliano Hernandez), who are eager to pounce and arrest him after any misstep.

The trials and tribulations are predictable, and are similar to Will Smith vehicle 'The Pursuit of Happiness', but the low-budget production gives the film gritty realism and heart.

The movie belongs to Boyega. We feel his frustration with each failure, the struggle etching his face with pain and frustration. You root for his character, and his shortcomings break your heart.

Director Vitthal based the movie a true story. He screened the movie for the films inspiration and he hated the movie, but loved it after watching the audiences positive reaction at Sundance.

The film is scheduled for a December release weeks before Star Wars Episode 7, which also stars John Boyega.

Anticipate the actors name headlining movie posters in the future..

He's that good.

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.

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.

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.