Gus Van Sant tells the story of a young African American man named Jamal who confronts his talents while living on the streets of the Bronx. He accidentally runs into an old writer named Forrester who discovers his passion for writing. With help from his new mentor Jamal receives a scholarship to a private school.
Acting
Connery's final major role—gruff perfection with surprising tenderness.
Writing
The 'write what you know' scene hits harder than most action sequences.
Director
Gus Van Sant
Sean Connery
William Forrester
Rob Brown
Jamal Wallace
F. Murray Abraham
Robert Crawford
Anna Paquin
Claire Spence
Damany Mathis
Kenzo
Busta Rhymes
Terrell Wallace
April Grace
Ms. Joyce
Michael Pitt
John Coleridge
Michael Nouri
Dr. Spence
Richard Easton
Prof. Matthews
Glenn Fitzgerald
Massie
Lil' Zane
Damon
Stephanie Berry
Janice
Fly Williams III
Fly
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Connery based Forrester partly on J.D. Salinger and famously clashed with Van Sant over creative control.
The film became shorthand for 'white mentor saves gifted Black youth' critiques, though it complicates that template more than critics admit.
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