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This was the first raw, real, awesome movie I had seen in a long while. The characters are so relatable, almost like friends you once had when you were younger. There was not one point in the movie where I became bored (very unusual for me as I usually can't sit still). There are also some awesome shots of Montreal, my hometown, so I can't help to love the movie even more.

I was fortunate to see this movie at the premiere screening in Montreal. This is a great dramatic coming of age film depicting a side of two teenage immigrant Montrealer's that rarely has any light shed on (if not ever), Its a must see and very important Canadian film. It garnered a few laughs at moments which helped offload some of the harder themes. The story holds onto an enormous amount of realism and i'm sure would resonate with the struggles that some teenage immigrants or segregated groups have to face living in a big metropolitan city, so the story is universal in nature and can relate. The cinematography work was wonderful, it captured almost a claustrophobic sense of being with the lead character Hakeem (incredible performance from Nabil Rajo), in which the city was only a backdrop to the story and the camera work helped us feel isolated with the character at the same time. There was a number of great intense moments that had me shifted up into my seat. Being a sound post professional myself, I thought the sound work was competent and effective to help build the story and suspense. The music underscore, was effective and felt almost effortless without drawing much attention to it, this I felt complimented this style of film. Darren Curtis is a remarkable filmmaker for which I hope he continues to develop and write more films.

Equally provocative as entertaining. I found there to be a seamless connection between visuals. Authentic acting. Moral message very pronounced. Similarly styled to a Tarantino film. Completely engages audience. Created some discomfort in me in regards to the theme of impressionability of youth.

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