Grassland

Just another way to try and cram an illegal activity into mainstream acceptance. Pulling on heartstrings with the kids and avoiding personal responsibility for subjects own actions. No matter what angle the production wants to play to get their agenda across it is still illegal activity and should not be glamorized in an attempt to try and legitimize its criminal activity. The overall repercussions and scope of the illegal activity is danced around and not shown in hopes of making it okay in the eyes of the masses. Casting a couple quality talents is overshadowed by the point that the production is trying to make a statement that the masses won't fall for.

8 out of 10 from someone who has actually seen the film. Low budget with mostly unknown (to me) actors - Mia Maestro and Ravi Cabot-Conyers - being the two standouts as well as Quincy Isaiah (who recently played Magic Johnson in the Lakers mini-series). It's a fascinating tale depicting the impact of drug laws in our country (circa 2008) and how people just trying to get buy suffer the consequences. Produced by Oscar-winner Common the movie feels like a passion project, but it's a worthy one.

An epilogue running before the end credits gives interesting statistics on current drugs laws (as of 2024). We've come a long way, but not nearly far enough.

Not an easy film to track down, it is currently streaming on Hoopla (as of 7/1/2025 and worth checking out).

Finally, a proper marriage of drama and meaning. Isn't this what film should be in our time?

Over the decades and with different styles and treatments, filmmakers have risen above mere entertainment to bring a message in the context of popular art. It's almost a genre, but let's not go there. Let's simply take the film on its own merit.

Although the social issues addressed here, the disproportionate incarceration rates of people of color, the legality of harmless recreational drugs, and the roiling of family structures under the oppression of a dysfunctional society, will hopefully be transcended in a brighter future world, the ambiguous interplay of right and wrong, legally and morally, will never go out of style as the foundation of art.

Grassland checks all the boxes of storyline validity, visual attractiveness, and, especially, dramatic performance by a skilled ensemble. No one stands out, and everyone stands out. There is a level of tension throughout that never pauses. It is exhausting, but that is not a fault, it is a commendation. This film was not made to sell popcorn. Looking forward to anything by this production group.