Hustle and Flow

Rating: 10/10 (29 July 2005)

Thuis picture is so good that I know that I will go see it again. Terrence Howard has given a performance that is worthy of an Oscar nomination. Many people are put off by the content of the movie but they should not be. It is really a movie about redemption, dreams, desire and hopes. The subject matter is only a vehicle for many of these universal themes. The characters are well portrayed and fleshed out beautifully. Although the choice of career is questionable to most of us, we must remember that choices are often foisted on us. It is the will to change the life we may have been led into that makes this a movie about the human spirit. In the end, although DJay is seemingly a user of women, he really does love the ones with whom he is involved. His rough demeanor is offset by his humanity, in the end. The ending is Hollywood but, in these times of terrorism and despair, it is uplifting to see something positive. Yes, the movie may not seem as if it can be positive but, in my opinion, it is.
The other players in this movie are also well played. Anthony Anderson is consistently good at any role he takes on. DJ Qualls is right on as a white wannabee who is respectful of the art of rap and hip hop.The women, although seeming to be only part of the background, are what give this movie its substance.