There aren’t many films that speak to the harsh realities that the youth face in our community.
Licks is a movie that truly sends that message.
The film takes place in Oakland, CA and deals with problems many young black people face there as well as the world: poverty, violence, and death.
The movie’s main character, Daniel AKA D, comes home to Oakland after spending two years in prison for robbery, thinking things would have changed for the better.
From pimping, to drug deals, and even addiction, D watches as his family and friends continue to do the wrong things and try to suck him back in.
Finally, with the help of his parole officer and some prime examples of what not to do, D makes huge decisions that will definitely make an impact on his entire life.
“I’ve always been aware of tragic environments like the inner city,” said director, Jonathon Singer-Vine. “Everyone has a story, and there are people like this in every single city in America. We tend to just dismiss [them], but with this film I hope that any youth that feels like their life parallels with D inspires them to think different and not make the wrong decisions.”
The movie is an amazing example of many real life situations that the youth in our communities goes through, and although it is a fictional story, the message is true to life.
The movie had great dialogue as well as great cinematography, which made it easier to capture the film’s real emotion.
“The dialogue was pretty much from me being with people that I grew up with my whole life,” said co-writer and producer, Justin “Hungry” Robinson. “None of it is totally true, but it was all based on us being involved in [situations like this].”
“We’re dealing with this every day in Oakland,” said actress, Teresa Anderson. This movie is a really good lesson in giving second chances and living valuable lives.
All of the actors are from the Bay Area and work in music or some other form of art. This was all their first movie, which I as well as many of the other audience members never would have guessed from the beginning.
Most importantly, this movie strongly evoked what I feel most movies today lack, a real and relevant message. With many events in society today, most recently the riots surrounding the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the Trayvon Martin murder trial, young teens may begin to feel like they are a target in this country. Movies like this are a step forward in assuring the young people in our communities that they do deserve every chance to succeed, despite what their circumstances may be.
“Life inspired this film, and these stories need to be told,” Singer-Vine said. “We need more movies like this.”
For more information on the film visit www.LICKSmovie.com
Check out footage from our Exclusive Interview with some of the films featured talent.
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