Ninth Street

19991999
RR
1h 35m

IMDb RATING

6.9/10

188

YOUR RATING

Drama

The inhabitants of a deteriorating section of 1968 Junction City, Kansas known as "Junk City" bemoan their existence and revel at the history of their neighborhood during its 1940's heydays ... Read allThe inhabitants of a deteriorating section of 1968 Junction City, Kansas known as "Junk City" bemoan their existence and revel at the history of their neighborhood during its 1940's heydays when legendary jazz musicians regularly played its clubs. In 1968, the area has diminished... Read allThe inhabitants of a deteriorating section of 1968 Junction City, Kansas known as "Junk City" bemoan their existence and revel at the history of their neighborhood during its 1940's heydays when legendary jazz musicians regularly played its clubs. In 1968, the area has diminished to strip clubs and juke joints inhabited by Vietnam War draftees that pass through from n... Read all

IMDb RATING

6.9/10

188

YOUR RATING

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The inhabitants of a deteriorating section of 1968 Junction City, Kansas known as "Junk City" bemoan their existence and revel at the history of their neighborhood during its 1940's heydays when legendary jazz musicians regularly played its clubs. In 1968, the area has diminished to strip clubs and juke joints inhabited by Vietnam War draftees that pass through from nearby Fort Riley. Heads of the group include a wino who lost a leg in WWII, a taxi dispatcher, a saloon owner, and a crazed bag lady. The younger generation is represented by a young prostitute who is trying to get off the streets, but is forced to continue to work by a no-good boy friend and the need to feed her baby. Martin Sheen also appears as a white minister who prefers the people in the area over his own congregation. —John Sacksteder <jsackste@bellsouth.net>

based on play

independent film

Genre
- Drama
Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
- Rated R for language, a scene of sexuality and some violence
Parents guide
- Add content advisory

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Quotes
Tippytoe: Nothing lasts forever; even iron wears out.

User reviews4

Review

Top review

8/10

Refreshing, funny, and poetic

The film portrays a city block and its inhabitants on many levels and at many times: World War II, Vietnam, and perhaps even the hopelessness of today. I felt I might be watching a documentary of the decline of Ninth Street, Jefferson City, Kansas, south of Ft Riley as it loses its economic base (fun-seeking soldiers) and its soul (home towners).

There is a feeling of impending disaster - occasionally relieved by humor - as one conflict after another simmers, but unlike "Do The Right Thing" the neighborhood lurches from one tragedy to another until there's no one left.

I was disappointed that this moving story of self-destructive violence and exploitation was set in a black "community" but of course that's part of the story.

A definite antidote to the formulaic, garishly colored, over-technical product of today's Hollywood. Will clean your palette.

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