Watch Big Words
- 2013
- 1 hr 33 min
-
6.2 (291)
Big Words is a 2013 American drama film that focuses on the story of three former members of a hip-hop group, who reunite after a decade of bitter conflict between them. The film is directed by Neil Drumming and stars Dorian Missick, Suzy Jane Hunt, and Gbenga Akinnagbe as the central characters. The film is set in New York City, on the night of Barack Obama's historic presidential election in 2008. The three former members of the hip-hop group, "Pronoia," are reuniting after a decade of separation. They have an intense history together and the film explores the mistrust and apprehension they have towards one another. The group consists of John (Dorian Missick), an unemployed, alcoholic man who is struggling to find a purpose in life; James (Gbenga Akinnagbe), a successful corporate executive, who has abandoned his passion for music for a more stable life; and, as the only woman in the group, Annie (Suzy Jane Hunt), a struggling visual artist who appears to be the most grounded of the three.
As they reconnect, the trio find that they have each been struggling with different aspects of their lives. John, still grieving the loss of his mother, is pushing away his supportive wife, who is the only one that seems to understand him. James, despite his great success in the corporate world, is yearning to reconnect with his musical roots and pursue his dreams. Annie, the enigma of the group, seems to have repressed her artistic side, instead focusing on a painful wound from their past that has left her emotionally wounded.
The film explores their individual journeys but also how, as a group, they connect with one another. They spend a night together, reconnecting, reminiscing, and confronting the issues that broke them apart. The film also touches on on themes of race, gender, and social class in the context of the hip-hop and artistic scenes.
As their night unfolds, they face several events that force them to confront their past and present, driving them to deal with the conflicts that have kept them apart for years. The group visits a popular hip-hop club where John struggles with sobriety, James catches the eye of a woman, and Annie meets a famous artist who offers her a chance to showcase her work. The group also speak to a young man who doesn't believe in voting, leading to a heated discussion about politics and race.
The performances of the central characters are riveting as they explore the complex emotions and relationships that remain unresolved, despite the passing of time. Dorian Missick delivers a hauntingly believable portrayal of John, a broken man struggling with alcohol addiction and a profound sense of loss. Gbenga Akinnagbe was truly outstanding in his portrayal of James, balancing his character's affability with a deep sense of pain and regret. Suzy Jane Hunt, who plays Annie, is the quiet sonnet in the midst of an emotional tempest, drawing the viewer into her character with her gentle vulnerability and sincerity.
Big Words is a though-provoking work that resonates with audiences as it challenges our perceptions of race, class, friendship, and love. The movie is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also delivers a powerful message on the possibilities of redemption, hope, and forgiveness. The film takes a unique and personal approach to some very weighty issues, making it truly worth watching.
Big Words is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 82.