Watch Fireworks Fireworks

Fireworks Fireworks is a coming-of-age drama that chronicles the lives of three African-American teens growing up in the inner city of Baltimore. Written and directed by Shamira Gill-Card, the film tells a poignant tale of friendship, love, and self-discovery against the backdrop of an economically-depressed neighborhood plagued by violence and drug addiction.

The story centers around the character of Keisha (La Shayla Hood), a talented high school student who dreams of leaving Baltimore to attend college and pursue a career in journalism. Keisha's aspirations are hindered by her poverty-stricken family and her overprotective mother, who is struggling to keep the family afloat after the death of Keisha's father.

Keisha's closest friends are Mike (Aqeel Ash-Shakoor) and Trice (Rodriana Jordan), two young men who are caught up in the dangerous world of drug dealing and gang violence. Mike is a rapper and a drug dealer who is fiercely loyal to his friends and family, but also plagued by doubts about his future. Trice is a tough-talking and aggressive young woman who has a secret talent for art, but is held back by her fear of vulnerability and rejection.

As the three friends navigate the challenges of adolescence and the harsh realities of their environment, they are forced to confront difficult choices and make sacrifices in order to pursue their dreams. Keisha must grapple with the pressure to succeed academically and financially, while also dealing with her conflicting feelings about her burgeoning romance with Mike. Mike, in turn, is torn between his loyalty to his drug-dealing uncle and his desire to make music and escape the violence of the streets. Trice must confront her own fears and insecurities, as she struggles to reconcile her love of art and her loyalty to her friends.

Despite the heavy themes of poverty, violence, and addiction that permeate the film, Fireworks Fireworks is ultimately a story of hope and resilience. The three young protagonists are portrayed with sensitivity and authenticity, and the film is rich in detail and nuance. The cinematography is strikingly beautiful, with many scenes shot against the backdrop of the vibrant cityscape of Baltimore.

The film's soundtrack is also noteworthy, featuring original music by Aqeel Ash-Shakoor, whose performances as Mike are both raw and emotionally charged. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with notable performances by Tia Davis and John Doe as Keisha's mother and Mike's uncle respectively.

One of the film's greatest strengths is its ability to capture the joys and struggles of young adulthood in all its complexity. The characters' relationships are multifaceted and nuanced, and their experiences are all too relatable for audiences who have struggled to navigate the challenges of growing up in difficult circumstances.

In conclusion, Fireworks Fireworks is a powerful and thought-provoking film that deserves to be seen by a wide audience. Its themes of poverty, violence, and addiction are rendered with sensitivity and nuance, and its characters are complex and authentic. The film's uplifting message of hope and resilience is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Fireworks Fireworks is a 2018 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 6 minutes.