Watch Imperial Dreams

Imperial Dreams is a 2014 independent film starring John Boyega, Rotimi, and Glenn Plummer in lead roles. The film is a drama that follows the story of a young ex-convict trying to break out of the vicious cycle of poverty and crime in his hometown. The movie has been directed by Malik Vitthal, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Ismet Prcic.

The protagonist of the movie, Bambi (John Boyega), is a 21-year-old aspiring writer who has just been released from prison after serving a sentence of two years. He is returning to his childhood home in the Imperial Courts housing project in Watts, Los Angeles, where he hopes to rebuild his life and reunite with his 4-year-old son Day (played by twins Justin and Ethan Coach).

However, Bambi soon finds that his dreams are easier said than done. He is faced with the harsh reality of being an ex-convict, unable to find a job or a place to live. His family and friends welcome him back, but they too are trapped in the same cycle of poverty and violence as before. He finds himself caught between the pull of his old life and the promise of a new beginning.

Bambi's situation is further complicated by the fact that his son Day is living with his drug-addicted mother Samaara (Keke Palmer), who is in a relationship with a drug dealer named Wayne (Rotimi). Wayne tries to lure Bambi into their circle, presenting him with the tempting offer of quick money, but Bambi declines, determined to stay on the right path.

As Bambi struggles to make a better life for himself, he begins to write the story he has always wanted to tell - the story of a young man like himself, trying to escape the cycle of poverty and crime in his community. His writing gives him hope and a sense of purpose, but also exposes him to the harsh realities of the publishing world, where his story is dismissed as "too depressing."

The film is a powerful portrayal of the difficult choices faced by those trying to break out of the cycle of poverty and crime in America's inner cities. John Boyega delivers a nuanced and empathetic performance as Bambi, capturing both his vulnerability and his determination to succeed. Rotimi and Glenn Plummer are also excellent in their respective roles, bringing depth and complexity to their characters.

Imperial Dreams is filmed on location in the Imperial Courts housing project, providing a stark and realistic backdrop for the story. The cinematography is striking and emotive, capturing both the beauty and the harshness of Watts and its inhabitants.

Overall, Imperial Dreams is a compelling and thought-provoking film that shines a light on the issues of poverty, crime, and the justice system in America. With its powerful performances and authentic portrayal of life in the inner city, this film is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the challenges faced by those living in America's toughest neighborhoods.

Imperial Dreams is a 2014 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 6.7 and a MetaScore of 67.