![]() But just with this modicum of success as a rapper, he suddenly valued his work. At the beginning of the movie he was morally, and financially, bankrupt. Never did he even seem remotely interested in engaging in sex.Īt the beginning of the movie he was morally and financially bankrupt, However, at the end, we could see him experiencing a glimpse of love for the first time. All of a sudden this aging and struggling pimp saw an opportunity to get out of the lifestyle where he had been stuck and frustrated as a human being. Let us remember that to the character in the story, going from pimp to rap star was a huge step up the ladder. While people may not take time to understand the life struggles of others, Jesus does. While people are quick to judge others, Jesus is not. It hit me with a jolt in the appearance and magnificent voice of Jennifer Bynum who, in real life, brought Howard and the cast, and movie audiences to heart-gripping sobs. Knowing that not very many movie scripts are written for African American male actors, I prayed that there would be a redeeming factor in this movie. The energy that forced me to stay, rather than walk out of the movie, was my desire to see the brilliant actor, Terrance Howard. Positive-I do not view “raunchy” movies because they usually lack a coherent and positive message for viewers who are attracted to “raunchy” movies. This movie displays that, whether it meant to or not, and that is it’s only redeeming quality. No matter how successful or wealthy one gets, without Christ there is always going to be a feeling of dissatisfaction and emptiness. A life without a relationship with Jesus Christ is exactly that, whether it’s a pimp or a Wall Street Lawyer, there is no satisfaction in riches or Earthly glory. As I stated before, this film brings the viewer into a different world, a different way of thinking a dark and sad way of thinking. Yet at the same time, I would be dishonest if I did not state that this is a very entertaining, well crafted, and well-acted film. Because of the language, content and visual elements, I urge fellow believers NOT to see this film (I do not know how many times I asked myself, why am I here?) and would be simply horrified if anyone took a child or a teenager to see this film. The fact that they are lukewarm church people is perhaps more disturbing to me than the lifestyle of pimps and prostitutes.Īs the rest of the film unfolds, we see more of a comic spin and a glorification of a sinful lifestyle, yet somehow, you know if given the same circumstances, ignorance and lack of a godly restraint would lead us all to the same conclusions. Like the world, their focus is on the temporal-not the eternal. There is no attempt to help him find his greater purpose in life. ![]() They have no problem with the content of his music rather their desire is to help him get a song on the radio. Where the disturbing factor lies is that his “church friends,” help him with the foul music, and smoke pot with him after their first recording session. The theme of the song touches the aspects of salvation: getting a new name, a clean slate, and a chance to start over. Clyde takes DJay and Nola to his church, as a woman is singing “Jesus give me a new name.” DJay cries as he listens to the song. He seems to be the only character that has some kind of stability. Clyde attends a local church and is faithful to his wife. DJay crosses paths with one of his old high school friends, Clyde-known as “Key” played by Anthony Anderson, in his finest performance. Nola, one of DJay’s latest recruits seems to have a desire for any purpose at one point crying out, “I don’t want to do this anymore.”Īside from the Lord’s name being taken in vain several times, there were other elements that would disturb any person of faith. They are searching for fulfillment, somehow thinking that they can find it in fame and fortune. ![]() What is interesting, yet a given, is that all the characters find shame and/or emptiness in their current status. This film is set in the ghetto of Memphis, in the lives of pimps and prostitutes, a world that most of us are fortunately not a part of. He is the epitome of someone “stuck” in their life with no way out but to dream. What else could one expect from a movie about a pimp trying to get into the rap music business? Howard’s acting is mesmerizing you love him, loathe him and somehow relate to him all at the same time. Within the first 12 seconds of the film, the harsh language starts and does not let up. DJay is a pimp/drug dealer who dreams of a greater life. ![]() This film stars Terrance Howard in the main role of DJay. ![]() “You know it’s hard out here for a pimp, trying to get the money for the rent,” and so begins the chorus, or “hook” to the theme song for “Hustle and Flow”. ![]()
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