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1. Max Bruce 01.27.15 / 6am

   Your review got me interested in this film. I always love to watch independent and indie films, especially those that feature new up-and-comers who also direct their own films. I feel that by itself is risky, and tends to have me more attracted to the film and it’s cinematography. From watching Abd Al Malik, you receive a striking feeling of struggle and achievement. I think the decision to film in black and white represents a great contrast of both the darkness he is surrounded by and the light of success he knows he can reach. I always love films that revolve around one’s struggle for attaining a true purpose and identity in the world, though they follow their heart to something greater and much larger than themselves. Since Abd Al Malik is a hip hop artist, the rhythm of the film tends to remind me of a long and moving song that portrays the realities and difficulties of one’s life. It’s almost like a rap song itself featuring his friends, his enemies, his family and his inspiration. Lastly, touching the black and white element of the film has me thinking about how significant that is. I also find it to be the world envisioned by someone who doesn’t live a meticulous life, rather one who see’s the world in black and white. right from wrong, poor from rich; there is a trickling sense of persistence from Abd Al Malik and how he carries the personality that chooses right or left, up or down. It’s either one way or the other, and success at the top is where he is heading.
2. LaraWyss 03.08.16 / 9am

   This was a fantastic movie! I actually saw this film while I was living in France this year. Abd Al Malik tells his story of success in a country where political, social, and economical barriers proved to be almost unconquerable. France has been seen by many immigrant as a country of opportunity, similar to the United States. However, its social/political climate regarding African and Arab immigrants is incredibly delicate. Abd Al Malik includes the feeling of ‘abandonment within your own country’ in his story, making this not only a homage to success but acceptance. Many more films in recent years have been released discussing similar topics in France, especially after now as political decisions are of extreme importance.

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