Customer Reviews

Always Outnumbered Always Outgunned [VHS]

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I can certainly see how people could overlook this underpublicized gem. I can even see how some people just wouldn't identify with this film. I can't imagine, however, how anyone that has had any kind of serious struggle in their lives wouldn't be moved by this film and it incredible writing, acting, production, and HUMAN values. Socrates Fortlow is a brilliant symbol for something very special. Socrates Fortlow is a man, a human being, unwilling to abandon decency, compassion, and integrity in face of a life of overwhelming hardship.

There is no doubt that much of Fortlow's tragic life is a byproduct of some of his own rash actions. There is also no doubt that the deck was and still is stacked against him. If anything, this movie reinforces my own personal belief that some people pay for their mistakes more than others. What really moves me about this movie and this characters, however, is Fortlow's unyielding quest to acknowledge his shortcomings, be his own man, and share his tremendous inner strength with others who may be a little short on what they need to make the right decisions themselves.

Through his outreach, Fortlow places himself on a path to redemption, even though he scarely seems aware of this himself. Fortlow doesn't reach out as pennance, he does it because he genuinely seems to feel and care about those around him. He is driven by the kind of empathy and compassion that only someone that has suffered deeply can have. His kind actions are instinctive, not planned, and it underscores, in giant terms, the profound decency of the man: the kind of decency I only wish we could find among the "blameless."

This is definitely one of my personal "top 10" movies and I can't see it being displaced anytime soon.

Anyone who thinks this is a "slow" movie hasn't shown it to prisoners, the way I have. They love it. They identify with Socrates, understand his nobility. They see that Socrates can tell them something positive about themselves. Socrates knows his anger and how it has caused him to damage others in the past. The flashbacks to his crime are common among violent criminals and his warning never to harm again. Socrates has figured out how to take who he is as he is and make it work for himself and for all the people around him. He's a true hero and a role model for these "tough guys," the prisoners--a protector, never again a destroyer. The message I hope the prisoners pick up is about renunciation, retribution, and restitution. We correctional educators don't give up on these men but always have to believe they will find their way as Socrates eventually does.
This movie could only have been made by people who have been there and lived it. It is a gem.

I really enjoyed the book and now I'm glad I finally saw the movie on video. It was also very good to see that it was produced by actor Larry Fishburn and the author Walter Mosley.

"Always Outnumbered" is such a compelling story. Mosely is not only trying to tell a very good story, he's also making strong social statements. He's trying to get us to understand the human condition and the need to have compassion for those who have made great mistakes in their life.

Socrates, the protaganist in this story, seeks redemption--but not redemption for its own sake. He made a mistake and now he's trying to find a way to get his life back on path, but he's not about doing it for selfish reasons. He just wants people to treat eachother better. Even in his violent way confronting problems, he just wants himself and others to be better. In other words, he doesn't want himself or others to "always be outnumber, always outgunned."

Lastly, I would like to say that production of this film is good. The narration by one of Socrate's friends helps to bring about continuity to the film. The director also using lots of panning shots and bright and dark lighting to convey social alienation of Los Angeles, particularly Watts, where Socrates lives.

This is not a major motion picture, but it's just the type of HBO film that respects a good story.

To the viewer who thought this movie was slow, I have to ask, "What do you expect from a drama??" I stumbled on to this movie and I found it very compelling and thought provoking...and all the things a drama should be. To Laurence Fishburn fans who want a "fast" movie that doesn't require you to think too much, go rent the Matrix. If you're looking for a well crafted, thinking movie that takes a real look at racism and life on the poor side of town, this is for you.

Laurence Fishburne delivers one of his best performances. This is a powerful and emotional movie with heartfelt characters. Bill Cobbs also has one of his best performances. The movie shows poverty, human struggle and life on the streets. L. Fishburne plays an ex-con who trys to only do good in life and survive in the ghetto. He has a major effect on everyone around him and wont let the streets bring him down. This is a great movie and one of my favorite films. I recomend it to any one who likes real-life dramas.

I saw this movie at 3:30 am this morning. I kept telling myself to get up and go to bed but the movie captivated me! I am a big Walter Mosely fan and you could sense his contributions throughout the movie. The characters were well developed and mesmerizing! Laurence Fishburn was especially wonderful as Socrates, he captured his spirit completely. There was a feeling of suspense as you wondered whether he would "do the right thing" or succumb to the temptations of South Central L.A.! I hope Mr. Mosely continues to make movies using his wonderful books, filled with his fascinating characters!

I saw this movie last night, by chance.

I am now buying it, and the book, and the "sequel" book.

This story of Socrates Fortlow will compel you to look at your own life in a very real way.

The story, the rhythm, the feel, the character development are ALL as true as it gets. Albeit written as a black experience, the truths expressed are applicable to each of us as we traverse the thornfilledpath from our own prisons of hate and anger and violence to the power and glory and majesty and deepflavouroflove acquired slowlyonefootinfrontoftheother by being heroic in each thought and deed in our daily life.

It's all about changing the world around us one deed, one day, one hardfought battle at a time. Mr. Fishburne, bless your heart. Mr. Mosely, I wish I could attend just one of your classes!

What's odd about Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned is that its only flaws are attributable to the screenplay, which was written by Walter Mosley, who also wrote the book it's based on. The film feels like a succession of vignettes loosely strung together, unified by a central character. Fortunately that central character, Socrates Fortlow, is played by Laurence Fishburne, who is easily strong enough to carry the film on his shoulders. (Trivia buffs may be interested to learn that Fishburne's first role was in Apocalypse Now.)

The picture is rich with talent. In addition to Fishburne, (unforgettable in What's Love Got To With It?), there's Cicely Tyson, Natalie Cole, Laurie Metcalf, and a really nice performance from Bill Cobbs. Director Michael Apted is no slouch either, having given us Gorillas In The Mist and Nell, among others. High points to HBO - again - for setting the quality standard. Despite an (almost) all black cast, and a ghetto setting, (not to mention an ex-con protagonist), this is not the typical gangsta dreck we've come to expect from Hollywood. (Call me the next time Hollywood makes a feature film about a black CPA, heart surgeon, or symphony conductor.)

What we have instead is a thoroughly gripping story of a solitary man emerging from prison after 18 years, a convicted rapist and murderer, trying to find a place for himself in society. He has clearly had plenty of time to come to terms with his crimes, and the significance of using violence to solve problems. He has also developed a kind of stoicism. Where prison is hideously corrupting for many, for Socrates it has been a place to learn self-respect, responsibility, and independence. He has few social interactions, but to each one he brings tremendous personal power, a sense of justice, and a willingness to extend himself for the benefit of others.

Despite his nobility, there is still a tremendous rage burning in Socrates. We see it in its most raw form when he encounters the workaday world he is trying to re-enter. He is willing to play by the rules, and he carries himself with manners that are almost courtly, but despite his best efforts even getting a job at a supermarket is virtually impossible. It sounds improbable, but by the time this movie is over we feel nothing but sympathy for Socrates and believe, as his friend does, that he is a "hero." Not a hero from the comic books, and not an anti-hero either. Just an everyday hero who has managed to pull himself out of the muck, regain dignity despite what he's done, and touch a handful of lives in a way that is so uniquely positive, only he could have done it. Uplifting, and highly recommended.

This movie transports you to a reality that most of us would like to pretend does not exist. I believed every minute of it! Excellent writing and directing make this movie work on every level. If "you" know how to think, this movie will open your heart up to see things as they are. Just an awesome adventure!

I would highly recommend this movie for children (teenagers especially) be they black, white, hispanic, asian, etc... There is much to be learned about dignity, responsibility, repurcussions, courage, compassion, friendship, reality, conscience, the subtleties of racism, respect (for oneself and others), and character from this fine, fine film.

The movie is not slow. It just doesn't spoon feed all of its' poignancy to the viewer. Unfortunately, it requires the viewer to have a context from which the stories' relevancy can be discerned. The movie is extremely subtle and requires both life experience and intelligence to appreciate. I found it to be particulary engaging (if not action packed) and compelling.

Most american movies only point is to promote indiscriminate sex, violence, and stupidity as desirable goals. So to be presented with a story that actually requires you to think and reflect is nearly a miracle.

And I don't think i've ever seen a movie that utilized so many cameo appearances in such an effective manner.

If you liked this one I highly recommend that you check out NBC's Homicide which offers up similiar quality.

HBO is to be commended as usual. It's just too bad that they don't only show their own (HBO production) movies