When I first saw the opening 10 minutes I thought I knew exactly what I was getting , but after the end of the second act I knew this was something special.
I've seen a lot more polished hollywood productions (Belly) with big names however they don't seem to have the sence urgency that the director was able to convey in this film.
Unlike most coming of age in the ghetto stories the protagonist is dealing with more than the typical "get out or die" themes. There was real heart in this cerebral multi-generational family narrative. The main character, James, is trying to bridge the divide between where he's at and where his dreams of being an artist are trying to take him. James is guide by his Uncle Earl (Thomas Webb), a EMT at the neighborhood fire dept. sub-station.
A secret relationship with Mi Haan, the daughter of the store owner where he works blossums. Both oblivious to the pain around them as they find peace in each others caress. This bliss is shattered as James' home life crashes him tragically back into reality, as domestic violence issues involing his mother, Mina and her live in boyfreind Toney come to light.
The director did a great job with weaving the narrative, although there were some technical problems, probally due to the films low budget.
Stellar performaces were turned in by Comedian Thomas Miles (BET Comic view, Showtime at the Apollo)as Toney and Donna Wilkerson as Mina, as well as newcomers Kory Washington as James and Junie Hoang as Mi Haan. Definitey "Fifth Ward" is one to see.
