Fresh (1994)

90% of critics liked it
(21 reviews)
89% of users liked it
(7,262 ratings)

A bright young African-American boy attempts to survive life in the city by acting as an errand boy for a drug dealer in this thoughtful, sharply plotted drama. Known as Fresh, the young man must use his delivery jobs to support himself and his troubled sister, receiving nothing from his distant,… More A bright young African-American boy attempts to survive life in the city by acting as an errand boy for a drug dealer in this thoughtful, sharply plotted drama. Known as Fresh, the young man must use his delivery jobs to support himself and his troubled sister, receiving nothing from his distant, alcoholic father but the occasional chess lesson. His intelligence and quiet determination serve him well, as he wins the trust of his employer and settles into an unpleasant but survivable routine. Even this small comfort disappears, however, when Fresh accidentally witnesses the killing of a classmate and becomes a potential target himself. Forced into an impossible situation, he puts his experience and strategic ability to good use, developing a tricky plan to protect his own life and defeat the killers. First-time director Boaz Yakin emphasizes restraint and realism, presenting potentially sensationalistic material with a minimum of violence and flash. Instead, attention is placed on the strong, layered performances, particularly Sean Nelson as Fresh and Samuel L. Jackson as his embittered father. While some have questioned the film's treatment of inner city life, the film was generally acclaimed, thanks to its seriousness and complexity. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 55 min.
Directed By: Boaz Yakin
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1994 Wide
On DVD: Feb 5, 2002
Studio: Miramax

Critic Reviews

Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Though its morality may be controversial, the film, an impressive debut from Boaz Yakin, deserves credit for introducing a new type of protagonist, a ghetto teenager willing to do everything and anything to escape his lot.
Gabe Leibowitz, Film and Felt
Unlike John Singleton's by-the-numbers Boyz n the Hood, Boaz Yakin's Fresh doesn't rely on skeletal portrayals of life in the ghetto, or moralistic messages.
Nick Davis, Nick's Flick Picks
Without a fully-formed perspective on its protagonist, Fresh remains a picture that is more powerful and affecting in concept than in actual execution.
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
We've seen this story before, but it's told surprisingly well here.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

James A

Samuel L. Jackson wasn't his usual over the top self. Instead he brings a great performance to a small role.
Alexander W

I loved this film as a teen. Yet I think I would get slightly bored today, because its a one of story and doesn't really narrate into anything contemporary.
xGary X

One of the best of the host of urban dramas based in the projects, an uncompromising tale of inner city violence and crime seen through the eyes of a 12 year old boy.
Todd S

A pretty good and very underrated movie. This kid is a genius and the ending was great. The only negative would have to be all the ebonics throughout which make it some what hard to follow.
matt s

While this movie has its scenes (the chess matches), I think a lot of early '90s independent film got by with shock value and relentlessly profanity. This film is no different. Look, I don't give a shit about cussing and all, I mean this film is about a teenaged drug runner… More
While this movie has its scenes (the chess matches), I think a lot of early '90s independent film got by with shock value and relentlessly profanity. This film is no different. Look, I don't give a shit about cussing and all, I mean this film is about a teenaged drug runner in NYC, but my point is - shock and profanity isn't a good cover for bad dialogue, it can't cover up the fact that some parts of this film were lazily-written.
Tom S

An endearing story, beautifully photographed.
Miriam K

Smart Kid...

Read all 7 featured audience ratings

Cast

            Sean Nelson as Fresh

            Giancarlo Esposito as Esteban

            Samuel L. Jackson as Sam

            N'Bushe Wright as Nicole

            Ron Brice as Corky

            Jean Claude Lamarre as Jake

            Cheryl Freeman as Aunt Frances

            F Murray Abraham as Chess Hustler (uncredited)

            Mateo Gomez as Mexican

            Robert Jimenez as Salvador

            Paul L.Q. Lee as Tommy Yee

            Curtis L. McClarin as Darryl

            Davenia McFadden as Mrs. Coleman

            Cortez Nance Jr. as Reggie

            Joe Pentangelo as Transit Cop

            Anthony Ruiz as Hector

            Martin Shakar as Detective Abe Sharp

            Anthony Thomas as Red

            Yul Vázquez as Chillie

            Lawrence Bender as Yuppie

            Guillermo Díaz as Spike

            Charles Malik Whitfield as Smokey

            Jose Zuniga as Lieutenant Perez

            Matthew Faber as Long-Haired Teenager

            Randy Ostrow as Mr. Cohen

            Jean-Claude La Marre
            
            Luis Lantigua
            
See full cast