PRINCE OF BROADWAY (2008)

Directed, Edited and Cinematography By: Sean Baker
Written By: Sean Baker & Darren Dean

Cast: Prince Adu, Kat Sanchez, Karren Karagulian, Aiden Noesi, Keyali Mayaga, Victoria Tate


Prince of Broadway is the story of Lucky and Levon, two men whose lives converge in the underbelly of New York's wholesale fashion district. Lucky, an illegal immigrant from Ghana, makes ends meet by soliciting shoppers on the street with knock-off brand merchandise. Levon, a Armenian-Lebanese immigrant, operates an illegal store front with a concealed back room where counterfeit goods are showcased to interested shoppers. Lucky's world is suddenly turned upside down when a child is thrust into his life by a woman who insists the toddler is his son. While Lucky copes with his new domestic dilemma, Levon struggles to save a marriage that is falling apart.

Released into theaters, but only released on dvd this year. Which is also when the Dvd Comemntary was recorded. This is one of the DIY films with low budgets that are being released slowly by companies like Indie Movement productions. Films Like this MANITO, DON’T LET ME DROWN, MAN PUSH CART, CHOP SHOP and DAY NIGHT DAY NIGHT. Are all films that deserve bigger audiences. They truly need tobe seen and celebrated.
The film is as real as it not only captures the main situations but also side conversations.

The film is not singular as it does focus on it’s main character for most of the film but allows different characters point of view involved to tell many sides of a full story.

No character is 100% good or evil. You can understand why they make the decisions that they do. Though you might not be in total agreement with them.

The film is like a French new wave film though not with so much style and rapid editing. It is just short of a documentary. It’s shot in a cinema verite style. That’s how real it feels. Each scene is filled with an emotional suspense. That keeps you on the edge throughout. As you grow to care about The characters. Through it all you care mostly about the child involved and worry not only about his well being, but his future. It shows a truth in cinema that is rare.

Each set back feels magnified until you are totally connected in the emotional journey, There is some fun to be had but it quickly comes few and far in between. It is a unpredictable tale, That is easy to identify with the hardships at least.
This film is more or less what I thought the Dardenne Brothers. The directors of the film L’ENFANT was going to be like. Taking us in more and having the lead learn to take responsibility and learn from the consequences of his actions. That film i didn’t really get emotionally involved I know that was the films aim, but it left me cold at many points.

I might have felt more of a connection to this film. As I have seen and know the type of characters in this film. These types of situations are becoming regulatory in life. IT needs to be discussed and have a light shined on it. As too many people put emphasis on themselves and materials instead of responsibility and caring. The film at least offers a little hope.

Director Sean Baker get’s a lot from his cast of non professional actors. The dialogue was realized through improvisation and collaborative process with all the actors. He wasn’t shoving them full of untrue rhetoric that didn’t necessarily feel emotionally truthful. Letting the actors in character realize for themselves what feels true for the character and situation. Which leaves the film satisfying.

This is a indie film i urge you to seek out. I warn you though it is not a cookie cutter type tale.

GRADE: A