Ish is a 2005 drama film directed by Tim Chey, starring Chester Gregory as the main character. The movie revolves around the life of Ishmael Brown, an African-American football player from Chicago. The story is set in the year 1999, where Ishmael is a senior football star in his high school team, who dreams of playing college football.
The film starts with a prologue from the year 1863, showcasing the cruel history of slavery in America. The audience is reminded of how African-American people were treated during that time, and the long-lasting impact of those inhumane practices on their community. The movie then jumps to the present, where Ishmael dreams of breaking those chains and becoming a successful football player.
Ishmael is a dedicated and hardworking student-athlete, but he faces several setbacks throughout the film. His mother is an alcoholic, and his father is absent from his life. Ishmael has to take care of his younger siblings and deals with the challenges of being a black teenager in a racially charged community.
The film also deals with the critical issue of drug abuse and the impact it has on young people's lives. Ishmael's best friend, Keyshawn (Ameer Baraka), falls into the trap of drugs and becomes entangled with a drug dealer. This situation highlights the dark side of teenage life in inner cities and the harsh reality that many young people face every day.
Despite these setbacks, Ishmael perseveres and continues to work hard in school and on the football field. His dedication and focus catch the attention of a college recruiter, and he is offered a full scholarship to play football at a Division I school. However, Ishmael's dreams are shattered when he is involved in a car accident with Keyshawn, which leaves him paralyzed from the waist down.
The movie then focuses on Ishmael's struggle to come to terms with his injury and adjust to his new life as a paraplegic. His family and friends rally around him to support him, but he still feels isolated and hopeless at times. Ishmael's only solace is in his love for a nurse, who helps him learn to overcome his disabilities and regain his self-confidence.
The film emphasizes the importance of resilience and the power of determination in overcoming adversity. Ishmael's journey is not just about overcoming physical disabilities but also about overcoming the emotional and mental trauma he faces after his injury. The film teaches viewers that even in the darkest of times, it is possible to find hope and a way forward.
Ish is a powerful movie that tackles several critical issues facing the African-American community in inner cities, including poverty, drugs, and gang violence. The film portrays the harsh reality of life for many young black men in America and highlights the importance of education and perseverance in overcoming adversity.
The performances in the film are exceptional, particularly that of Chester Gregory, who delivers an emotionally charged performance as Ishmael. His portrayal of a young man dealing with such enormous challenges is both nuanced and powerful. The supporting cast, especially Ameer Baraka, also delivers a stellar performance as Ishmael's troubled best friend.
In conclusion, Ish is a movie that should be seen by everyone, regardless of their race or background. It is a film that speaks to the universal human experience of facing challenges and struggling to overcome them. The movie's message is one of hope and perseverance, and it leaves the audience with a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit.
Ish is a 2017 animated movie with a runtime of 8 minutes.
