Synopsis
A 21-year-old reformed gangster's devotion to his family and his future is put to the test when he is released from prison and returns to his old stomping grounds in Watts, Los Angeles.
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Cast
- John BoyegaBambi
- Glenn PlummerUncle Shrimp
- De'Aundre BondsGideon
- Keke PalmerSamaara
- Sufe BradshawDetective Gill
- Nora ZehetnerJanine
- RotimiWayne
- Todd LouisoPeter Hall
- Jernard BurksCornell
- Maximiliano HernándezDetective Hernandez
Recommendations
- 83
The Playlist
It’s a heartwarming story of a father and son bonding, one which highlights that nothing is more powerful than family. - 80
Variety
Even in moments that don’t ring entirely true, Boyega’s grounded performance keeps the film headed in the right direction. - 80
The New Yorker
Malik Vitthal’s first feature gives rich dramatic life to a piercingly analytical view of the American way of incarceration. - 70
The Hollywood Reporter
Vitthal realizes the virtues of keeping things simple, minimizing the complexity of shots and editing to keep the focus on the characters, which constitute the strongest component of the film. - 67
Consequence
Where Imperial Dreams occasionally wavers is in its unsubtle storytelling, which often feels at odds with Vitthal’s appealing and naturalistic direction. - 40
The Guardian
Vitthal's film is full of heart, but overly ambitious. He could have made it easy on himself and steered us down a much more familiar route. Instead he delivers a moralistic story that's pure in its intention and a real slog to watch.
