Imperial Dreams (2014)

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.

Director:

Malik Vitthal

Writers:

Ismet Prcic, Malik Vitthal

Stars:

John Boyega, Rotimi, Glenn Plummer

10 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
John Boyega	...	Bambi
Rotimi	...	Wayne
Glenn Plummer	...	Uncle Shrimp
De'aundre Bonds	...	Gideon
Keke Palmer	...	Samaara
Fat Dog	...	Fat Rat
Nora Zehetner	...	Janine
Todd Louiso	...	Peter Hall
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Sufe Bradshaw	...	Detective Gill
Jernard Burks	...	Cornell
Ethan Coach	...	Day
Justin Coach	...	Day
Kandiss Edmundson	...	Jail Guard
Maximiliano Hernández	...	Det. Hernandez
Larry Hopson	...	Jail Vister

Storyline

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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Genres:

Drama

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Did You Know?

Trivia

John Boyega, who is a British actor, plays an American born character in this film.

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Quotes

Bambi: He was on the way from church, five years old, when he saw his first dead man. A loud deacon. He knew everything about Jesus and nothing about blackjack. Then suddenly he was Sunday quiet. "See how easy it is to change things?" my uncle said to him. "This is power, my boy." He knew then that no daddy was Superman. And no baby mama was Wonder Woman. That shit was bullshit.

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Soundtracks

I'll Be Gone
Written and Produced by Marijus "Mario" Adomaitis, Vidimantas "Vidis" Cepkauskas, Juste Arlauskaite-Jazzu (as Justé "Jazzu" Arlauskaité)
Performed by Mario & Vidis featuring Juste Arlauskaite-Jazzu (as Jazzu)
Courtesy of Silence Music

User Reviews

What's up with all these films where nothing happens?

Yes, I get it, it's the indie phase that's sweeping over the film industry. Look at the recent Oscar winners- Boyhood, Moonlight, etc.- but I still have a hard time with these films where nothing happens. Yes, I know, things DO happen- there is character development and there is depth to their situation- it's like grabbing our regular lives and putting it into film, and showing how the extraordinary is hiding in the most ordinary stories. But, and this is a big but, why is the plot so slow and bland? Why do these films make it so difficult to keep watching, instead of just flowing? When will I finally watch one that will make me NOT want to shut off the TV or step out of the theater? The four stars are for the impeccable acting (kudos to John Boyega) and beautiful writing. Also, excellent display of themes- racial profiling, re-installation of convicted felons into society, drug abuse, and education as an escape from the projects. The loss of the other 6 stars are due to the fact that I had to push myself to finish this film, and while it may have beautiful elements sprinkled throughout, I have to award myself those six stars for sticking through it.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 October 2016 (USA)

Also Known As:

Imperial Dreams

Filming Locations:

Watts, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Super Crispy Entertainment, Sam Spiegel International Film Lab

Technical Specs

Runtime:

87 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1