Barriers

I love this film, and so do my students. I teach an English Composition class at Technical Career Institutes. Whenever I show "Barriers" to my writing students, they are inspired to write their own essays, their own (sadly similar) stories. "Barriers" raises the question of what is it going to take? What will it take for us to finally reach out to one another across the artificial divides of race or economics? Plus it's just a darn good story, a tear-jerker minus the sentimentality. It's worth the ride.

"Barriers" is a thought-provoking film that forces us to question just how real are the supposed "barriers" we have erected between us. Friendship, family, relationships, life on the upper east side of Manhattan, "thug life" as a result of economic strife and the lust for power, etc.--all woven together in a compelling story with something for everyone. Bring a hanky, and then hug the children or young people in your life. Listen to them and learn how to sever the roots of needless tragedy.

My only criticism would be that the actress who played Tori's mother was bland, unfeeling, just not believable in the role, given the dire circumstances. Still, her interpretation of the role did not detract from the overall effectiveness of the film.