Spike Lee imprints any film he produces and/or directs. You can
see it in the style of the film, the cinematography, and generally the subject matter. It is certainly
stamped all over Sucker Free City, an original movie directed by Lee.
The film takes place in modern day San Francisco where the worlds of the blacks,
whites and Chinese clash. Each section of the city has its gangs and the members of these gangs are as
ruthless and savage as can be. Nick Wade (Ben Crowley) and his family had been living in a more upscale
part of the city but got forced out by high costs and taxes. Now they have moved into a basically black
neighborhood and the transition is a difficult one.
K-Luv (Anthony Mackie) is a decent enough guy but he has to go along to get along and this means drifting
in and out of the gang scene. He tries to maintain some stability in his life but the forces around him
are overpowering. He gets drawn into events and activities that are against his better judgment.
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In the Chinese community Lincoln Ma (Ken Leung) is a rising star. He is just getting
started by serving the men in the Chinese Mafia. He collects from the landlords of the area and pays
the money to the Mafia bosses. But he knows his position is unstable and that the men at the top could
turn on him at any time.
As the lives of these three men are followed, the crime and savagery of the streets is brought into play.
This is not a film the Chamber of Commerce for San Francisco would endorse as it makes these areas places
you would want to avoid at all costs. It is a gritty, scary world where death is always lurking and stability
is an unknown.
The acting in the film is first rate and each of the men is totally believable in his role. John Savage,
Kathy Baker, James Hong and Jim Brown give strong support. Malieek Straughter is outstanding as the unstable
Leon who can turn killer in a flash.
The movie is full of four letter words and sporadic violence. It is not intended for viewing by children.
Sucker Free City hits with the impact of a gang fight and leaves the imprint of desperate lives.
It is Spike Lee doing what he does best and that is showing another side of life we want to avoid but
need to see.
You will be amazed at what transpires in Sucker Free City and you will be thankful for your
quiet home and neighborhood where you can watch it from afar. |
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Director:
Spike Lee
Executive Producer:
Spike Lee and Sam Kitt
Co-Executive Producer:
Alex Tse
Producer:
Preston Holmes
Cast:
Ben Crowley, Ken Leung, Anthony Mackie, Darris Love, Laura Allen with John Savage
and Kathy Baker
Run Time: 116 minutes
www.sho.com |
