Watch Alligator Shoes
- 1981
- 98 hr
-
6.2 (47)
Alligator Shoes is a Canadian drama film released in 1981, directed by Clay Borris and starring Garry Borris, Ronalda Jones, and Clay Borris himself. The film's story revolves around a young man named Mike, who lives in Toronto with his girlfriend Karen. Mike works at a factory and spends most of his time playing music with his band.
One day, Mike receives a letter from his estranged father, who abandoned him and his family when he was a child. The letter contains a pair of alligator shoes and a note that asks Mike to visit him in Montreal. Despite feeling hesitant and unsure about meeting his father, Mike decides to make the trip with Karen.
Upon arriving in Montreal, Mike discovers that his father is a successful businessman who owns a chain of shoe stores. Mike attempts to connect with his father, but their differences soon become apparent. Mike is a struggling artist who values freedom and creativity, while his father is a wealthy businessman who values stability and success.
As Mike tries to navigate the complicated relationship with his father, he meets several interesting characters in Montreal. He befriends a French-Canadian musician named Lucien, who introduces him to the local music scene. He also meets a prostitute named Juliana, who teaches him about the city's seedy underbelly.
Throughout the course of the film, Mike struggles to find his place in the world and come to terms with his past. He confronts his father about the letter and learns about the circumstances surrounding his abandonment. He also finds himself caught up in a dangerous situation involving Juliana and her pimp.
Alligator Shoes is a thoughtful and introspective film that explores themes of identity, family, and independence. The film's characters are complex and nuanced, and the performances are strong across the board. Garry Borris shines as Mike, delivering a powerful and nuanced performance that anchors the film.
The film's pacing is deliberate, with long stretches of quiet reflection punctuated by bursts of action and drama. The cinematography is atmospheric and evocative, capturing the gritty, urban landscape of Montreal.
Overall, Alligator Shoes is a compelling and thought-provoking film that deserves to be rediscovered by modern audiences. Its themes are timeless, and its message is powerful: that the most important thing in life is to be true to yourself, no matter what anyone else thinks.