 HUSTLE & FLOW
MPAA Rating:
 for sex and drug content, pervasive language and some violenceReviewed by: Joseph Martinez Very Offensive
Moviemaking Quality:
 Primary Audience:
Adults
Genre:
Drama, Music
Length:
1 hr. 54 min.
Year of Release:
2005
        Relevant Issues
What are the consequences of sexual immorality? Answer Every time you buy a movie ticket or rent a video you are casting a vote telling Hollywood “That’s what I want.” Why does Hollywood continue to promote immoral programming? Are YOU part of the problem?  Everybody gotta have a dream. “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 & Flow. This film stars Terrance Howard in the main role of DJay. DJay is a pimp/drug dealer who dreams of a greater life. Within the first 12 seconds of the film, the harsh language starts and does not let up. 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. He is the epitome of someone “stuck” in their life with no way out but to dream. 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. What is interesting, yet a given, is that all the characters find shame and/or emptiness in their current status. They are searching for fulfillment, somehow thinking that they can find it in fame and fortune. 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.” Aside from the Lord’s name being taken in vain several times, there were other elements that would disturb any person of faith. DJay crosses paths with one of his old high school friends, Clyde — known as “Key” played by Anthony Anderson, in his finest performance. Clyde attends a local church and is faithful to his wife. He seems to be the only character that has some kind of stability. 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. The theme of the song touches the aspects of salvation: getting a new name, a clean slate, and a chance to start over. 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. They have no problem with the content of his music; rather their desire is to help him get a song on the radio. There is no attempt to help him find his greater purpose in life. Like the world, their focus is on the temporal — not the eternal. The fact that they are lukewarm church people is perhaps more disturbing to me than the lifestyle of pimps and prostitutes. As 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. No matter how successful or wealthy one gets, without Christ there is always going to be a feeling of dissatisfaction and emptiness. This movie displays that, whether it meant to or not, and that is it’s only redeeming quality. Year of Release — 2005 / USA release: July 22, 2005 (wide).   Positive Positive - I have a different view of this film, although drug dealing and
pimpin' may be an immoral way of life. for Djay, it was the only way he
could get himself and his friends out of thier situation. I can clearly
say that as a christian man, if I had to do something immoral to get my
friends and family out of a bad situation, without a doubt I would do it.
For example a armed robber comes in and threatens you in your
house…would you fight back? possibly shoot him as a last resort? Djay
was at his last resort, he was stuck…and found a way out. Positive - I do not view 'raunchy' movies because they usually lack a coherent and positive message for viewers who are attracted to 'raunchy' movies. The energy that forced me to stay, rather than walk out of the movie, was my desire to see the brilliant actor, Terrance Howard. 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. 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. While people are quick to judge others, Jesus is not. Positive - I am a cinema major at a Christian College. As a person of faith going into the film industry, I find it to be of utmost importance to understand how films reflect and resonate with culture. This is a very gritty film that is not suitable for all audiences. This is because the setting and characters would not be convincing without portraying extensive amounts of immorality. The offensive content of the film is justifyable and not exploitave. I find it to be an oversight of this review to not mention that faith is actually portrayed as a positive element in the film. The character Clyde is judged for participating in 'foul music' and smoking weed when he should have apparantly preaching Jesus instead. However, considering that statistics would say that Christian lifestyles aren’t really that different than non-christians in most moral areas, I find this portrayal to be pretty acurate. I would even argue that Clyde does show Jesus to DJay. Clyde provides DJay with what will become a way out of his lifestyle through creativity. Instead of expecting DJay to be something he’s not he helps him right where he is: making rap music. He’s not afraid to be involved with someone that most people wouldn’t even talk to. He is able to reach DJay with his kindness because he is right out there with him, and although he is flawed, his positive deeds far outweigh his negative ones. He says, 'There are two types of people, those that talk the talk and those that walk the walk, the people that walk the walk sometimes talk the talk but most of the time they don’t talk at all because they’re walkin' Don’t be the kind of Christian that is so busy talking that they don’t walk. There are many positive elements in this film have the power to motivave people to do great things with their talent. If you can’t see past a few bad words and mature content don’t see this film because you will miss an important message that in my opinion has had a positive influence… Positive - I personally thought the movie was a good example of life in the 'ghetto'. I grew up in the projects in the Bronx, and am able to relate to Howard Terrances' portrayal of what a pimp with a dream is all about. I gave this movie a rating of 5 because it deserved it. It had a good story line, great actors, and interesting to watch. The cursing was out of control, but guess what it’s reality. The movie is Rated R, hence children and teenagers should not be allowed to watch this movie. …some of us are blinded and hope that the reality of life is not real…it is. Yes the movie was offensive because of how it portrayed women in the ghetto, and in general the life in the ghetto. But this is the real lives of some who live in the ghetto, not all…the ghetto does not entirely consist of pimps, drug dealers and hookers, it merely focused on the life of someone surrounded by the negative life in the ghetto. This movie should not be discredited merely because it has been exposed to those who would not even imagine or dream of what such a life in the ghetto entails. Neutral Neutral - …from a Christian perspective the movie 'Hustle and
Flow' was very earthy, raunchy, and all of the things we know as followers
of Christ were against Christ and His principles. These things we know are
of the world, and we do not expect anything more than what was given. Neutral - I thought the movie was well made and entertaining. The main actor in the movie really showcased his talent. My favorite part of the movie was when the main character was sitting in a church listening to the gospel singer, and he shed some tears. It shows that even the hardest of people can be touched by the annointing and love of God. He actually wanted a better life for himself and the people around him, but just did not know how to do it in the right way. Negative Negative - As far as the acting and the storyline goes, I thought it was
well put together. Yes, the content of the movie had some offensive
material in it such as pimps, prostitutes and so on. So if you are easily
offended. Do not see this movie. On the other hand if you can get past the
subject matter to see good acting in Terrance Howard then check it out. I
also ad too that I do not get a thrill out of seeing sinners suffer and
die like someone else commented on. We as Christians ought to want to see
the unsaved give their heart to Christ. This movie portrays a hard and
ugly life for the main characters involve. Sin destroys, but God gives
life. Negative - This movie was an honest portrayal of much of the lifestyle in
the south’s rap and “hustlin” game…but I would definitely not
recommend this movie…there’s nothing really edifying about the content
or the story itself — no real hope is presented, and the lifestyle of
hustlers is almost justified…wait till it comes out on video if you
really want to watch it…but ladies, make sure you help your brothers out
because there are a lot of scenes that men don’t need to see. Negative - This movie had maybe one good scene, which is when Pimp had convictions in what he was doing in life. Negative - I won free passes to see a sneak preview of this movie in my hometown. I should have realized why they were free. Why you shouldnt see it:
Why you should see this movie:
If you want to see a feel-good movie this is not it. If you want a case-study of sin in the real world, this is a good start. Neutral - In response to Kenny’s post…'flow' is simply rapping, not really the lyrical quality, but more the way your words 'flow' with the tempo of the beat. Just FYI Movie Critics
“…Smart, funny, incredibly foulmouthed…” “…an inspiring tale about a man’s dream…the recording sessions tended to drag on…” “…this much-ballyhooed melodrama is little more than a Horatio Alger tale with a hip-hop spin…” “…funny, raunchy and, yes, uplifting…” |
