Free of Eden (1999)

In this tale of intersecting lives in New York City, Sidney Poitier plays a powerful Manhattan business executive whose roots were in a Brooklyn ghetto, and Poitier's daughter, Sydney Tamiia Poitier, plays a teenager living in a South Brooklyn housing project who wants to break free from her desperate circumstances. The lives of the characters happen to collide when a robbery attempt at Nicole Turner's place of work, a fast-food franchise, turns bloody, and Will Clemmons, who has helped the old neighborhood with investments, returns to deliver an inspirational eulogy. Realizing what life has to offer, Nicole tracks down Clemmons, and after overcoming his considerable reluctance, becomes his student. That plot admittedly seems like standard fare, something of a Pygmalion in "the hood," but the performances, especially that of the elder Poitier, elevate the film. He burns the screen with passion and is charmingly good-humored as he endeavors to turn Nicole into, as he puts it, "a thinking individual." Some plot developments, thanks to both Nicole's impulsive personality and her role as the witness to the shootings at her former job, provide bumps in the road, but this is mostly a tale of uplifting oneself from dire circumstances, and the acting overcomes any predictability in the story. --Robert J. McNamara Amazon.com

Excellent Film...Very Inspirational !!!

This movie first caught my eye in a video rental store. And after watching it, I was overwhelmed, especially with Sidney Poitier being the sensational actor that He is. Of course I had to add this one to collection. The story is very heartfelt and inspiring. Not only does it is express the importance of a quality education and the opportunity it presents, but also the importance of being a mentor. This is an exceptional movie about overcoming seemingly impossible situations,forgiveness, and moving forward in life. Hopefully this film will be released on DVD soon. I also recommend another great film starring Mr Poitier: The Simple Life of Noah Dearborn. It's a must-see!!! November 29, 2006

Look beyond your horizon

I have just finished watching this film for the second time and I'm still inspired. Mr. Poitier gives a phenominal performance as does his daughter. I'm buying a copy for my 15 year old niece, I think every teenager should see this so that they know that there is more out there in the world than what they are currently living today. The importance of education is something far too many people are taking for granted. Use your inner self and reach for the stars! December 17, 2000

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