Review of Fruitvale Station (2013) by Zachary M — 10 Apr 2016

In such politically charged times, we need movies like this. What this film does, better than almost every other movie in this kind of genre does, is make its characters feel like reel people. Take the main character for example, he could have been portrayed as a saint. An innocent cut down in cold blood. However, the film choses to show us all sides of his personality. Yes he deserves our sympathy, but he is no saint. He has had problems with drugs, anger management, and responsibility to his family. In fact everyone, from his mother, to his friends, and even his eventual killer, are portrayed as people with different levels and depths.

We keep seeing these awful real-life tragedies play out in the news and in our lives. They spark passionate debate and discussion. Which is good. And hopefully those who see this film will be inspired to look at these tragedies and have a second look at what is going on around us all.