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Flood Streets is a 2011 American drama film that explores the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina on the people of New Orleans. The movie, which was directed and co-written by Joseph Meissner, who also stars in it, is a poignant story about the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Set in the aftermath of the catastrophic hurricane, this indie film takes viewers on a journey through the city's ravaged streets as residents attempt to rebuild their lives. The movie follows the lives of three troubled individuals who are coming to terms with the destruction around them while remaining hopeful for a better future.

The story revolves around three characters: Ned (Joseph Meissner), a musician who has lost everything following the hurricane; Lana (Becky Stark), a young artist who is stuck in a loveless marriage; and Mr. Phineas (Harry Shearer), a wealthy businessman who is trying to hold onto his wealth and power. Each of these characters represents a different aspect of post-Katrina New Orleans, and their lives intersect in unexpected ways through the course of the movie.

Ned, the protagonist, is a musician who has lost his home, his instruments, and his livelihood in the hurricane. He spends his days wandering the streets, trying to find a way to rebuild his life but struggling to find hope in the wake of so much devastation. Ned's story is a powerful one, as it highlights the impact that the storm had on the cultural identity of New Orleans. For Ned, music is not just a job but a way of life, and the destruction of his instruments is a metaphor for the loss of the city's cultural identity in the aftermath of the hurricane.

Lana, on the other hand, is a young artist who is struggling with her own personal demons in the wake of the Katrina disaster. She is married to a man who is emotionally distant, and her creativity has been stifled by the post-Katrina chaos. Through her interactions with other characters, including Ned and Mr. Phineas, Lana begins to reclaim her sense of self and her artistic talents.

Mr. Phineas is the film's central antagonist, a wealthy businessman who sees the destruction of Katrina as an opportunity to further his own interests. Throughout the movie, he is portrayed as being callous and ruthless - a reflection of the corporate greed that often underpins urban renewal projects. Mr. Phineas's story is a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of unchecked capitalism and the way it can exacerbate inequality in the wake of natural disasters.

One of the most striking things about Flood Streets is its depictions of the damage wrought by Hurricane Katrina. Instead of relying on special effects to create a sense of devastation, the movie uses real-life footage of the storm and its aftermath to create a visceral sense of loss and destruction. Through its use of handheld cameras, the movie immerses viewers in the chaos and turmoil of post-Katrina New Orleans, creating a sense of immediacy that would be impossible to achieve through traditional filming techniques.

Another standout feature of Flood Streets is its soundtrack, which features an eclectic mix of New Orleans jazz, blues, and gospel music. The music serves as a reminder of the city's unique cultural heritage and its resilience in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, Flood Streets is a moving and atmospheric film that captures the spirit of New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Its depiction of the devastation wrought by the storm is poignant, and its characters are relatable and compelling. Overall, Flood Streets is a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to the city and its people, and it is well worth watching for anyone with an interest in the lasting impact of natural disasters on human life.

Flood Streets is a 2011 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.