Rarely does a heart-wrenching movie come along that leaves such an emotional impact. FRUITVALE STATION is receiving attention during award season but not enough. The must see film stars rising star Michael B. Jordan and another award-worthy turn for Octavia Spencer, and it is now available on digital download, Blu-ray and DVD. For those who didn't catch it in movie theaters, here's your chance to see something riveting. It should be required viewing.
Based on a true story of Oscar Grant, a young black man killed in front of spectators on New Year's Eve 2009 in an Oakland subway and caught on tape, FRUITVALE STATION traces the day in the life of this 22-year-old coming to grips with having to grow up and become a responsible adult for his young daughter, girlfriend and mother. However, his chance at redemption was taken away on the eve of the new year.
Here are five reasons to see FRUITVALE STATION.
1. Best Film of the Year
For a first-time filmmaker, Ryan Coogler masterfully tells a story with honesty and realism. The film could've been a political statement about the injustice, instead he chose to humanize Oscar Grant as a flawed person trying to make his way through life. Michael B. Jordan (Chronicle) and Octavia Spencer (The Help) killed it in their portrayal of real people.
2. It’s Not a Superhero Movie
While we all love being taken to a magical universe once in a while, the amount of destruction we've seen this year is getting old. FRUITVALE STATION is an honest portrayal of struggles we all face and can relate.
3. Raw and Real
Going in you expect to be preached at how wonderful this person was and how tragic his passing was, but director Ryan Coogler portrayed a flawed character, warts and all, that you could still empathize with. Knowing that this story is based on someone's real-life and that of his family, makes it all the more heart-wrenching. Feelings of the viewer will range from anger, sadness, and spark a conversation about the social injustices that plague the U.S.
4. Winner of the Cannes Film Festival Award, Un Certain Regard
The fact that foreigners recognized an urban story from the U.S. says a lot about FRUITVALE STATION. The award is given out to young talent of innovate works and this one wins in all categories. The film also won big at the Sundance Film Festival in the dramatic category for Audience Award and Grand Jury Prize.
5. Emotional Impact
You think the “Red Wedding” episode of Game of Thrones left you sick to your stomach, FRUITVALE STATION will top that because this sh** was real. No other film this year will evoke the devastating emotion felt by the end of the movie. You'll feel like you've lost a loved one. Get your hankies ready, this one has you crying like a baby.
RELATED LINKS
FRUITVALE STATION’s Melonie Diaz: ‘I Won’t Watch it Anymore’
FRUITVALE STATION Takes Emotional Toll on Cast: Octavia Spencer & Michael B. Jordan Interview
