Always Outnumbered (1998)

Sometimes life throws a curve ball, a fork in the road, or a wall between you and what you want. For Socrates Fortlow, life keeps getting in the way, but nothing stays in the way of a man with his mission. Socrates is going to make it - his way on his terms - and if you aren't part of the solution, then you know where you stand. If you're a killer terrorizing the neighborhood, you'll have to deal with him first. If you're a beautiful woman who deserves more attention, attention will be paid. If you're a witness to murder and you need protection, you're staying alive in his hands. Life's questions can be hard, but the answers are east. When it comes to trouble, you look for the man who's still standing. Because the way he's fighting for his life is the way you want him fighting for yours.

DVD Features:
Biographies
Other:Chapter Selections

For anyone who knows LA and at least feels condemed at times, you'll relate to this film.

You don't have to be a hardened convict to relate to Socrates Fortlow, and that's what makes author Walter Mosely and his fictional character of this name, perfectly captured in this film by actor Lawrence Fishburn and director Michael Apted, so intriguing. By midway through the film, you find yourself admiring Fortlow, despite him being unemployable and living in a horrible, seemingly abandoned home in a back alley, in South Central Los Angeles.

Take it from someone who once worked at a grocery store; The scenes where Fortlow harasses an upscale grocery store for employment are not only admirable and humorous, but also beyond realistic (the elevator muzak version of "Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog").

I also think this film captures an aspect of LA which often goes overlooked, how lonely of a place it really is.

The score is brilliant. A perfect late '90s, saddened, "neo-soul" sound.

Oh, Bill Cobbs; This film is another exhibit that he is the most underrated American actor of our time. I don't know if this film would be the same without him. April 7, 2008

Great flick!

Enjoyed this movie tremendously. It kinda stuck with the book's storyline. Walter Mosley is an excellent author. February 15, 2008

Socrates Was Me.

Just a small correction for you "Trivia Buffs." Lawrence Fishburne first starred in movies as Wilford Robinson the "Me" of a 1975 African American Classic (my opinion) Cornbread, Earl and Me. November 26, 2007

The Power Of One

What's odd about Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned is that its only flaws are attributable to the screenplay, which was written by Walter Mosley, who also wrote the book it's based on. The film feels like a succession of vignettes loosely strung together, unified by a central character. Fortunately that central character, Socrates Fortlow, is played by Laurence Fishburne, who is easily strong enough to carry the film on his shoulders. (Trivia buffs may be interested to learn that Fishburne's first role was in Apocalypse Now.)

The picture is rich with talent. In addition to Fishburne, (unforgettable in What's Love Got To With It?), there's Cicely Tyson, Natalie Cole, Laurie Metcalf, and a really nice performance from Bill Cobbs. Director Michael Apted is no slouch either, having given us Gorillas In The Mist and Nell, among others. High points to HBO - again - for setting the quality standard. Despite an (almost) all black cast, and a ghetto setting, (not to mention an ex-con protagonist), this is not the typical gangsta dreck we've come to expect from Hollywood. (Call me the next time Hollywood makes a feature film about a black CPA, heart surgeon, or symphony conductor.)

What we have instead is a thoroughly gripping story of a solitary man emerging from prison after 18 years, a convicted rapist and murderer, trying to find a place for himself in society. He has clearly had plenty of time to come to terms with his crimes, and the significance of using violence to solve problems. He has also developed a kind of stoicism. Where prison is hideously corrupting for many, for Socrates it has been a place to learn self-respect, responsibility, and independence. He has few social interactions, but to each one he brings tremendous personal power, a sense of justice, and a willingness to extend himself for the benefit of others.

Despite his nobility, there is still a tremendous rage burning in Socrates. We see it in its most raw form when he encounters the workaday world he is trying to re-enter. He is willing to play by the rules, and he carries himself with manners that are almost courtly, but despite his best efforts even getting a job at a supermarket is virtually impossible. It sounds improbable, but by the time this movie is over we feel nothing but sympathy for Socrates and believe, as his friend does, that he is a "hero." Not a hero from the comic books, and not an anti-hero either. Just an everyday hero who has managed to pull himself out of the muck, regain dignity despite what he's done, and touch a handful of lives in a way that is so uniquely positive, only he could have done it. Uplifting, and highly recommended. April 15, 2007

Very enjoyable!

An insightful perspective on the "hidden" part of society--the challenges in the life of the low-income, marginally employed population. Laurence Fishburn gives an awesome performance as a former convict with a heart of gold. Check it out! October 30, 2006

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