Fresh (1994)
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90% of critics liked it
(21 reviews) -
89% of users liked it
(7,161 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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
We've seen this story before, but it's told surprisingly well here.
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Gil Jawetz, DVDTalk.com
What makes Fresh different, however, is what happens when the film enters its second half. To reveal too much would be to ruin the experience
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)
Cast
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Sean Nelsonas Fresh -
Giancarlo Espositoas Esteban -
Samuel L. Jacksonas Sam
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N'Bushe Wrightas Nicole -
Ron Briceas Corky -
Jean Claude Lamarreas Jake
