[.ca] Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned

Strong story:
I really enjoyed the book and now I'm glad I finally saw the movie on video. It was also very good to see that it was produced by actor Larry Fishburn and the author Walter Mosley. "Always Outnumbered" is such a compelling story. Mosely is not only trying to tell a very good story, he's also making strong social statements. He's trying to get us to understand the human condition and the need to have compassion for those who have made great mistakes in their life. Socrates, the protaganist in this story, seeks redemption--but not redemption for its own sake. He made a mistake and now he's trying to find a way to get his life back on path, but he's not about doing it for selfish reasons. He just wants people to treat eachother better. Even in his violent way confronting problems, he just wants himself and others to be better. In other words, he doesn't want himself or others to "always be outnumber, always outgunned." Lastly, I would like to say that production of this film is good. The narration by one of Socrate's friends helps to bring about continuity to the film. The director also using lots of panning shots and bright and dark lighting to convey social alienation of Los Angeles, particularly Watts, where Socrates lives. This is not a major motion picture, but it's just the type of HBO film that respects a good story.

Show this One to Prisoners:
Anyone who thinks this is a "slow" movie hasn't shown it to prisoners, the way I have. They love it. They identify with Socrates, understand his nobility. They see that Socrates can tell them something positive about themselves. Socrates knows his anger and how it has caused him to damage others in the past. The flashbacks to his crime are common among violent criminals and his warning never to harm again. Socrates has figured out how to take who he is as he is and make it work for himself and for all the people around him. He's a true hero and a role model for these "tough guys," the prisoners--a protector, never again a destroyer. The message I hope the prisoners pick up is about renunciation, retribution, and restitution. We correctional educators don't give up on these men but always have to believe they will find their way as Socrates eventually does. This movie could only have been made by people who have been there and lived it. It is a gem.

POWERFUL:
Laurence Fishburne delivers one of his best performances. This is a powerful and emotional movie with heartfelt characters. Bill Cobbs also has one of his best performances. The movie shows poverty, human struggle and life on the streets. L. Fishburne plays an ex-con who trys to only do good in life and survive in the ghetto. He has a major effect on everyone around him and wont let the streets bring him down. This is a great movie and one of my favorite films. I recomend it to any one who likes real-life dramas.

One of my top ten movies of all time:
I rate this one right up there with "A Soldier's Story", "Godfather", "The Color Purple", "Rain Man" etc. as far as classic films go. This is definitely one of the best movies I have ever seen. Though the movie runs about two hours, you end up wishing it ran four hours. The acting is so gripping and intense with Oscar winning type performances. Lawrence Fishburne is excellent and the cameos by Issiah Washington and others are well placed and well acted. I understand there is going to be a sequel which I can't wait to see. A friend of mine said the book is actually better than the movie, which is hard to believe. If the price ever drops to a more reasonable fifteen bucks, I'm buying the DVD. I actually saw the movie about four times on HBO. HBO's best self-produced film since "Gotti".

Always Outnumbered:
Always outnumbered always outgunned is a moving story about the life of an ex-con from Indiana called Socrates (played by L.Fisburne) who had been doing time in Indiana Department of Correction for a double homicide he committed 27 years prior to being released. And, he presently lives out his days in California, in a small one bedroom apartment. He persistently seeks out a daliy living collecting cans. Hardly being able to afford basic amenities, he \otold untruths\c to get a job. Yet, he had many friends, and tried very hard to be a good citizen. His dreams and memories haunted him, but they never caused him to loose his sanity or to return to a life of crime. His philosophy of life is astounding: In the movie (He)fought against poverty, age descrimination, domestic violence, prostitution, \oending life\c, juvenile delinquency, and social resentment.... This movie is a winner.