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Hustle And Flow [2005]


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There are those that talk the talk and those that walk the walk
Review date: 2008-07-28 Rating: 10 out of 10

"There are those that talk the talk and those that walk the walk". This exchange between Djay, the lead character and his producer friend is one of them most poignant, touching and thought-provoking moments of the film.

Djay, a small time pimp and drug dealer, is increasingly dissatisfied with his life and does not know where to find hope or redemption until a chance meeting with a school friend, Key, who is a small time record producer, provides him with an outlet to express himself through hip-hop. Djay decides that he will try to walk the walk and with Key and Key's associate Shelby (Djay "but he is white", Key "no he is light skin"), they set about creating the music using Djay's lyrics, Shelby's music and Key's production.

The result is hard-hitting songs that reflect the misogeny, hopelessness, violence and anger that inculcate and define Djay's existence.

Taraji P Nelson's performance as Shug, the pregnant, brittle and insecure girlfriend is understated and powerful. Ludacris again demonstrates, as he did in Crash, that he is a competent actor.

This was a disturbing, honest, thought-provoking and gritty film which had depth that many contemporary films of all genre unfortunately lack.

Highly recommended.




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Reviews


Gem of cool realism
Review date: 2008-07-18 Rating: 8 out of 10

U gotta c this!!! It ain't t Hollywood treatment. this is a gritty tale of t ghetto, grounded and real, w some awesome performances 2 go. Hip Hop lives n all of us! Word Up

A good film with an original story line
Review date: 2007-04-04 Rating: 8 out of 10

Too often films about the hip-hop/rap world have followed the same story line, well this film takes a different look and delivers it well.

Terence Howard gives a powerful performance as DJay the pimp who's looking to change direction in his life by trying to become a rapper. He's very convincing in the part. The rap performances he delivers are realistic. Anthony Anderson plays his part very well as the producer.

I would recommend this film.


Inspiring story with great performance from Terrence Howard
Review date: 2007-04-02 Rating: 10 out of 10

Broke Memphis pimp D Jay buys a child's keyboard from a bum and it rekindles his long-dormant interest in music. Soon, he's roping in music producer Key and keyboard player Shelby to help put together some demos in the hope of selling D Jay as the new Hip Hop sensation to local rap superstar Skinny Black. D Jay, tired of living a meagre existence on the wrong side of the law, has found himself a dream, so the joy of this one is watching as he tries to achieve it.

What's great about this film is the sense of gritty realism it brings to the story. Hustle And Flow isn't about glamorising the pimp game, and if anything makes it seem like an entirely unpleasant way to live. This is not the bling and Escalades of MTV rap videos - this is a guy who can't even afford to pay his phone bill. This realism extends to D Jay's attempts to record music. The film avoids the usual recording business cliches and shows instead our group of musicians as they cobble together their own studio in a back room with pawn shop equipment and cardboard cup holders stapled to the wall for sound proofing. Also, the makers have gone to great lengths to make the creation of the music a believable and organic process. It's very enjoyable watching the songs as they come together throughout the film.

What's also great about this one is the acting. Terrence Howard is magnetic as D Jay. Not once does Howard give us the all-too-familiar bragging, over confident rapper we might be expecting. This may be a film about a talented guy with a dream, but Howard's performance is a layered affair that isn't afraid to show D Jay's vulnerable side as he struggles with his lack of confidence and with his ability to express himself. Alongside Howard is a brilliant supporting cast. The always good Anthony Anderson shows a more serious side in this one, as does funny skinny nerd D J Qualls. Also worth a mention are Taraji P Henson as the incredibly sweet and supportive Shug and Taryn Manning as frustrated hooker Nola.

Hustle And Flow puts the so-so Eminem vehicle 8 Mile and the appalling 50 Cent brand extension Get Rich Or Die Tryin' to shame. This is a well-crafted, brilliantly written, perfectly acted, engaging story about people who've lost sight of their dreams and are struggling to get them back. It's actually very inspiring in its own way - even if you don't like Hip Hop - so this is recommended to all.

The Pimp with a Heart!
Review date: 2006-11-19 Rating: 10 out of 10

This is a highly impropable, yet somehow hugely entertaining film.
Everytime you think your headed directly to clichéland the movie takes a sharp detour. Helped by strong performances from all involved and a clever script and great music, this everday tale of pimp and ho folk, trying to rise above their chosen fields of expertise, is well worth the watch.
And it really doesn't matter if you don't like Rap music much!

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Terrence Howard
Taraji P. Henson
Taryn Manning
Anthony Anderson
DJ Qualls

Creators:
Terrence Howard (Primary Contributor)
Anthony Anderson (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: Paramount Home Entertainment
Manufacturer: Paramount Home Entertainment
EAN: 5014437895431
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Anamorphic, PAL,
Release date: 2006-03-20
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 112 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2005
Language: Dutch (Subtitled)
Language: English (Subtitled)
Language: English (Original Language)

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