“Empz 4 Life” Review

Brian Henry is an unrecognized saint; his relentless effort to create a better life for youth living in lower-income neighborhoods seems to be an unattainable pursuit. Throughout his youth, he’s had involvement with drugs, gangs, academic issues as well as run in with the law. His versatile experiences have lead him to aid at-risk young men in repairing their life. Director Allan King, coaches his staff to create a fly-on-the-wall depiction of what really goes on in the lives and minds of adolescent African- American gents living in a deprived environment.

This documentary takes place in a low-income neighborhood called Empringham in East Scarborough. Discrimination, racial profiling and anticipation for the negati

ve are what these young men must go through day after day. Nearly no support from the public school system causes a tireless struggle for mentor Brian Henry while trying to assist these young men in obtaining their high school diplomas. Setting up tutoring programs and after school activities, as well as giving the opportunity to have free breakfast for the less fortunate of the boys, are just naming few of the obstacles that he must endure each and every day.

As an accomplice to Brian Henry, John Mighton is an essential element in not only schooling these boys in mathematics, but also building self-esteem and confidence within them. Being a motivational entity and a lifelong guru, both role models give all their passion and dedication to each and every youth they are assisting.

There are four primary stories that we, the viewer get truly absorbed into. Chris Ellis, also known as C-Jewlz aspires to be a rapper, but is disinterested and de-motivated in any form of academics. Jivon Walker is deeply enthralled in the gang lifestyle; trouble is coming unless he realizes his true talent with numbers. Jordan Mendez has grown up without an acceptable role model, with all three brothers in prison. Will he end up the same as his brothers? Sadiki Clarke is a rather quiet guy; his ability to excel in math gives him his first taste of accomplishment.

Here's C-Jewlz at Jarvis C.I. in Toronto.

Although some of the boys have a pessimistic view to begin with, you see the vast growth and improved confidence in each one by the end. This is an explicit look into the lives of these boys; there is no censorship and this shows the real daily incidents that these boys’ lives entail. Each must struggle through the insensitive and vulgar treatment from the laws authority, their academic authority as well as dealing with family trials and tribulations.

King constructs a documentary that captivates the hearts of the viewer, leading the viewer to utter enthrallment. Barring the movies cloudy audio that tends to drown out some of its dialogue, the soundtrack is very captivating as its records are from one of the films primary youths, Chris Ellis aka C-Jewlz. In the overall film, Allan Kings experience and success doesn’t fail to shine through once more. This is a truly brilliant documentary that refrains from concealing reality altogether.

Rating: 4 Stars out of 5 Stars

- LW -