Watch Jada

Jada is a 2008 independent film directed by Malaysian-born filmmaker, Anthony Bawn. The story is set in the fictional town of Bentley Heights in Georgia, United States, and centers around Jada (played by Sonalii Castillo), a young girl with a passion for dance who dreams of one day becoming a world-renowned ballerina. The film opens with Jada practicing her dance moves in an abandoned warehouse, where she meets Rae (played by Marlo Williams), a drug dealer who takes a liking to her and begins to offer her assistance. Jada quickly becomes close to Rae and her crew of friends, and soon finds herself embroiled in the drug trafficking world.

As Jada navigates the dangerous world of drugs, she struggles with her love for dancing and her desire to make something of herself. Her mother (played by Chene Lawson) is supportive of her dreams but is forced to work long hours at a local diner to keep a roof over their heads. Meanwhile, Jada's best friend, Renete (played by Nicole Sherrod), is also a talented dancer but is content with her life in Bentley Heights.

The film depicts the realities of life on the streets, with drug deals gone wrong, gang rivalries, and police interrogations. Jada is caught in the middle of it all, torn between her love for dance, her loyalty to Rae and her crew, and her desire to escape the streets of Bentley Heights and make something of herself.

Juan Mabson plays the role of Rod, a police officer who takes a special interest in Jada's case and tries to help her turn her life around. Rod sees the potential in Jada and recognizes her talent for dance, and he becomes a mentor figure for her, encouraging her to pursue her dreams and leave the drug world behind.

Jada is a gritty and realistic portrayal of life on the streets, but it is also a film about hope and redemption. Despite the challenges that Jada faces, she never gives up on her dream of becoming a ballerina, and she continues to work hard to achieve her goals. The film highlights the power of determination and the importance of having a support system in place, even in the most challenging of circumstances.

The performances in Jada are strong, with Sonalii Castillo delivering a standout performance as the titular character. The film is also visually impressive, with Bawn's direction showcasing the beauty and grace of dance alongside the harsh realities of life in Bentley Heights.

Overall, Jada is a compelling and engaging film that offers a unique perspective on life on the streets. It is a story about resilience, determination, and the power of following your dreams, no matter what obstacles may come your way.

Jada is a 2008 drama. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.