On S List of Movie Reviews

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Strapped (1993)

Rate: 8
Viewed: 3/12, 10/19

3/12: A young black man who attempts to escape the dangerous projects but is doomed by choices gone awry is the name of the game in Strapped.

I'm sucker for such black urban pictures, and Bokeem Woodbine, in his screen debut, is amazing. In all honesty, his character's girlfriend isn't worth it. Just find another woman, preferably a smart one, and move on.

All in all, Strapped may be another in the long line of black pictures about living in the projects, but it's really good.

10/19: My favorite Bokeem Woodbine movie is Strapped, a gritty black urban picture that's directed by Forest Whitaker.

I saw the film on HBO in 1993 and had never forgotten it since then. What I love is the gritty realism: dumb people doing dumb things. The ending is a big surprise, and that's why Bokeem is so good. I can't say his character made a wise decision and think he'll regret what he did at some point, but he's a man nevertheless

There are great scenes, often involving Bokeem Woodbine who makes his screen debut, which are shot on location in Brooklyn with great music. The beginning shows the reality of black-on-black violence in the projects, and it doesn't matter how young the perpetrators are. When black people see what's going on, they take it for granted and choose to either ignore the crime or help cover it up.

All in all, think of New Jersey Drive, Straight Out of Brooklyn, Menace II Society, and Clockers, and Strapped is right up there with these hood greats.

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