Imperial Dreams is an American drama film written and directed by Malik Vitthal. [1] [2] The film had its world premiere at 2014 Sundance Film Festival on January 20, 2014. [3] [4] It won the Audience Award at the festival. [5] [6] The film was released as a Netflix original film on February 3, 2017.
Plot
A 21-year-old reformed gangster Bambi’s devotion to his family, especially his son Daytone, and his family’s future is put to the test when he is released from prison and returns to his violent old stomping grounds in Watts, Los Angeles. Themes include mass incarceration, the importance of education, racial profiling by police, and the many obstacles present in the system. The title Imperial Dreams references a point in the movie where the nature of emperors of the projects is expounded upon.
Cast
- John Boyega as Bambi
- Rotimi Akinosho as Wayne
- Keke Palmer as Samaara
- Glenn Plummer as Uncle Shrimp
- De’Aundre Bonds as Gideon
- Sufe Bradshaw as Detective Gill
- Jernard Burks as Cornell
- Nora Zehetner as Janine
- Anika Noni Rose as Miss Price
- Maximiliano Hernández as Detective Hernandez
Reception
Imperial Dreams received positive reviews from critics. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reports that 91% of 11 film critics have given the film a positive review, with a rating of 7.3 out of 10. [7]
Geoffrey Berkshire of Variety , in his film review “Bighearted yet surprisingly nuanced.” [8] Justin Lowe By His review for The Hollywood Reporter Praised in the movie calling it “An assured debut That stands to connect with a diverse audience.” [9] Chase Whale of Indiewire graded the movie B + by saying that “John Boyega first wowed audiences with his dynamite performance in Attack the Block . To go on to big, big things. ” [10]
References
- Jump up^ “Sundance 2014: South Central LA is the Wild West in ‘Imperial Dreams’ – EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS” . Retrieved May 7, 2014 .
- Jump up^ “Sundance Reveals New Talent John Boyega in ‘Imperial Dreams'” . Retrieved May 7, 2014 .
- Jump up^ “Sundance 2014: The Next <=> Lineup” . Retrieved January 18, 2014 .
- Jump up^ “Interview with Imperial Dreams Producer Katherine Fairfax Wright” . Retrieved May 7, 2014 .
- Jump up^ “Sundance: ‘Whiplash’ & ‘Rich Hill’ Win Grand Jury Awards; Dramatic Directing Goes To Cutter Hodierne For ‘Fishing Without Nets'” . Retrieved January 26, 2014.
- Jump up^ ” ‘ Whiplash’ Owns the 2014 Sundance Film Festival Netting Awards Two Top Prizes” . Retrieved January 26, 2014 .
- Jump up^ “Imperial Dreams (2014)” . Rotten Tomatoes . Flixster . Retrieved May 15, 2014.
- Jump up^ “Sundance Film Review: ‘Imperial Dreams'” . Retrieved May 7, 2014 .
- Jump up^ “Imperial Dreams: Sundance Review” . Retrieved May 7, 2014 .
- Jump up^ “Sundance Review: ‘Imperial Dreams’ Features A Knockout Performance From’ Attack the Block ‘John Boyega Star’ . Retrieved May 7, 2014 .