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Poetic Justice (1993)

 -  Drama | Romance  -  23 July 1993 (USA)
5.3
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Ratings: 5.3/10 from 5,535 users   Metascore: 51/100
Reviews: 27 user | 18 critic | 20 from Metacritic.com

In this film, we see the world through the eyes of main character Justice, a young African-American poet. A mail carrier invites a few friends along for a long overnight delivery run.

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Title: Poetic Justice (1993)

Poetic Justice (1993) on IMDb 5.3/10

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Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 4 wins & 2 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
...
Simone
Ché J. Avery ...
Thug #2
...
Aunt June
Lloyd Avery II ...
Thug #1
...
Kim
...
Ticket Taker
Maia Campbell ...
Shante
Jeff Cantrel ...
Policeman #4
Michael Colyar ...
Panhandler
Kina Cosper ...
Female Cousin (as Kina V. Cosper)
...
Uncle Earl
Dina D. ...
Dina
Joe Dalu ...
Policeman #7
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Storyline

After witnessing the murder of her first and only boyfriend, young Justice decides to forget about college and become a South Central Los Angeles hairdresser. Avoiding friends, the only way for her to cope with her depression is by composing beautiful poetry. On her way to a convention in Oakland, she is forced to ride with an independent-minded postal worker whom she has not gotten along with in the past. After various arguments between them and their friends, they start to discover that their thoughts on violence, socially and domestically, are the same. Justice may finally feel that she is not as alone as before. Written by <poetic_robert@hotmail.com>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

Fate brought them together. Anger kept them apart. But for both of them, the road ahead was the only way to leave the pain behind. See more »

Genres:

Drama | Romance

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for pervasive strong language, and for violence and sexuality | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

23 July 1993 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Fugir do Bairro  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Box Office

Budget:

$14,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$27,515,786 (USA)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

(Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The poetry that Justice writes was actually written by Maya Angelou. 'Maya Angelo' makes a cameo appearance as Aunt June. See more »

Quotes

Lucky: Garth Brooks is just slamming.
See more »

Connections

References Gone with the Wind (1939) See more »

Soundtracks

"Backstabbers"
Written by Leon Huff, Gene McFadden and John Whitehead
Performed by The O'Jays (as O'Jays)
Courtesy of Sony Music
By Arrangement with Sony Music Licensing
See more »

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User Reviews

A John Singleton movie that's a lot better than reviews would suggest.
21 May 1999 | by (Cincinnati, Ohio) – See all my reviews

Poetic Justice is the type of film that will sneak up on you. Some parts of the movie are a little slow, but as a whole the movie is very good. Director Singleton is able to bring a certain mood to this film; wavering between dark, funny and compassionate. Justice (Janet Jackson) is a directionless and lost female who expresses her wants and sorrows through poetry. Because of deaths in her family she is alone.

She reluctantly agrees to go on a mail trip with a friend (Regina King) and her male comrads. Little does she know that she would find her diamond in the rough in Lucky (Shakur). Although Lucky has a very hard exterior, Justice; through many trails and tribulations locates the good in him. It turns out that they (Justice and Lucky) are just what each other needs. Some may not be able to relate to this film, but if you can chances are you will really like the movie. This movie was not really made for mainstream audiences, just for certain people. I am one who was taken in by it, and it is one of my favorites. Great movie which probably appeals more to demographically urban viewers. Regina King and Joe Torry do a good job of providing support to the lead actors throughout.


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Janet and Michael. MJJrux
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