Fruitvale StationThere is a sense of awareness among the makers about the sensitive issues raised in here as it is perfectly balance on terms of biography, drama and the craft that is explored. Its ingenious take on depicting such a character and the accuracy and honesty of it, is what makes the viewers connect to it from the first frame as it doesn't waste any of its time on justifying the occurred incidents. The writing is smart, to-the-point and poignant where even the writer puts the storyline above everything else which helps keep the audience engaged. There isn't much to look forward to on terms of technical aspects like background score or sound department but the editing surely makes it all worth. Ryan Coogler; the writer-director, is the reason behind all the heart that the feature is, for his brilliant execution skills is apt for the tale it tells. He speaks on all levels when it comes to convey his characters on screen without any dialogues. On performance level, Michael B. Jordan is no match to any other supporting cast of his except for Octavia Spence who is equally elegant and speaks volume in here. Fruitvale Station is a wake-up call at night for the audience, society, movie-goers and makers, as it redefines it all again.

Phwoarrr that hit me and then some! What an unexpected treat this was. An extremely rare impactful drama that feels utterly necessary in addressing the ongoing issue of firearm usage in America. Depicting the true story of 22 year old Oscar whom is caught in a situation involving the police at Fruitvale Station during New Year's Day. The inevitable conclusion is not what makes this drama so tantalisingly electric, it's the portrayal of Oscar's family and himself that allows us to become invested on an emotional level. Conveying a family man who is determined to be the best father, son and boyfriend that he could possibly be. Garnering respect amongst the community, he becomes an established proud individual who assists his friends and himself, thus making him relatable. A runtime of just 82 minutes, the focus and patience that is put into portraying Oscar was paramount, particularly given the melancholic conclusion. Ryan Coogler is consistently pushing the camera up close and personal to the actors, enhancing the intimacy between us and the characters. A tangible link where he is able to make us feel every emotion. I can't quite express how difficult that is to illustrate in a film. The fact this is his directorial debut stuns me even more, a talent that Hollywood will be watching for quite some time. Michael B Jordan was outstanding, this is his best role by far. Nuanced yet powerful, expressive yet emotionless, he was an enigmatic revelation. Spencer and Diaz also gave excellent supporting roles, particularly towards the end. I just wished it was longer, to flesh out Oscar's character even further. But, there isn't a more thematically relevant drama than this right now. As soon as the credits rolled, a cluster-bomb of emotions rushed to my heart and soul. I was livid, sad, shaken and full of remorse. Such a tragedy that could've easily been a melodramatic bore, but instead is a formidable powerhouse drama that showcases exceptional talent on and off screen.

Director Ryan Coogler delivered an impressive debut on 2013er Sundance Film Festival, which delivers the school-book directorial approaches to lead him in just four years to a Marvel-Universe picture of "Black Panther" about to be released in February 2018. Under support of actor Forest Whitaker acting as producer to realize a close 1,000,000.00 U.S Dollars production originating from a Sundance Film Institute Film program and additionally backed by the Weinstein Company seated in New York City, the festival's audience decided to put the director and his lead Michael B. Jordan on the map for Hollywood distribution.The film follows 22 year-old Oscar through bay area of San Francisco on New Year's eve of year 2009. He encounters missed job assignments, a pushy girl-friend, calling where is the money, and his daughter at a care-taking shelter home, before getting shot by a police officer on the name-given Fruitvale Station platform.Watching the movie, the streaming pace looks in place at first glance. OTS-shots get combined with standard hand-held close-up coverage to deliver editorial coverage. Some extra b-roll shots of subway trains and the bay area support the atmosphere of the picture. Nevertheless some artistic ingredients is missing to lift the picture beyond any supported Sundance institutionalized film, which may lead to an indecisive stand for a directorial vision against Marvel Studios Excutives for the upcoming "Black Panther" (2018).

The true story of Oscar Grant III, a 22-year-old Bay Area resident, an ex convict who is struggling to integrate back into society. The film shows the last day of his life interacting with his girlfriend young daughter and Mother as well as family members.In the evening on the way to a new years eve party with his girl friend Sophina and friends he gets into an altercation with a former prisoner on board a train. Due to the incident the train is stopped at Fruitvale Station where heavy handed Police then try to restrain Oscar and his friends. This leads to one of the officers shooting him which he later dies from in hospital.Michael B Jordan's whose star is definitely on the rise is excellent here, his talent was evident from his memorable performance in season 1 of David Simon's TV masterpiece The Wire, as the tragic young drug dealer Wallace. Octavia Spencer and Melanie Diaz offer great support as Oscar's Mum and Girlfriend.It could be argued that director Ryan Coogler paints Oscar rather positively but he makes no secret from the flashback footage of him in prison that he is previously a violent offender prone to confrontation. That might make some think that Grant was on his way to his fate but this is an incredibly black and white way of interpreting this tragedy. Despite his background and behaviour nothing excuses the treatment he receives from the law enforcement officers, their behaviour is reprehensible and brings into question their extreme methods that lead to Oscar's death.Although initially a charge of murder was bought against the Officer, his excuse that he mistook his gun for his taser got him off on a manslaughter charge and only served 11 months of his 2 year sentence.I understand there have been some playing around with the facts here to do with Oscar's time leading up to the event which have had some criticise it's veracity but the fact a cop supposedly mistook his gun for his taser is incredibly disturbing. This is a hugely tragic and shocking tale which left me initially numb then very angry.