Imperial Dreams

Imperial Dreams is an American drama film written and directed by Malik Vitthal.[1][2] The film had its world premiere at 2014 Sundance Film Festival on January 20, 2014.[3][4] It won the Audience Award at the festival.[5][6] The film was released as a Netflix original film on February 3, 2017 but removed in February 2023.[7][8]

Imperial Dreams
Official poster
Directed byMalik Vitthal
Written byMalik Vitthal
Ismet Prcic
Produced byJonathan Schwartz
Andrea Sperling
Katherine Fairfax Wright
StarringJohn Boyega
Rotimi Akinosho
Keke Palmer
Glenn Plummer
De'Aundre Bonds
CinematographyMonika Lenczewska
Edited bySuzanne Spangler
Music byFlying Lotus
Production
company
Super Crispy Entertainment
Distributed byNetflix
Release dates
  • January 20, 2014 (2014-01-20) (Sundance)
  • February 3, 2017 (2017-02-03) (Netflix)
Running time
90 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Plot

A 21-year-old reformed gangster Bambi's devotion to his family, particularly his son Daytone, and his family's future are put to the test when he is released from prison and returns to his violent old stomping grounds in Watts, Los Angeles. Themes include mass incarceration, the importance of education, and the many obstacles present in the system that prevent those interested in rehabilitation from surviving when placed back in society.

Cast

Production

The title Imperial Dreams references a point in the movie where the nature of emperors of the projects is expounded upon. It's also a reference to the housing projects where the movie takes place, Imperial Courts, in Watts.

Reception
The film won the Audience Award: Best of NEXT at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival.

Imperial Dreams received positive reviews from critics. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reports that 91% of 11 film critics have given the film a positive review, with an average rating of 7.3 out of 10.[9]

Geoffrey Berkshire of Variety, in his review called the film "Bighearted yet surprisingly nuanced."[10] Justin Lowe by his review for The Hollywood Reporter praised the film in calling it "An assured debut that stands to connect with a diverse audience."[11] Chase Whale of Indiewire graded the film B+ by saying that "John Boyega first wowed audiences with his dynamite performance in Attack the Block. Once again playing the anti-hero, Imperial Dreams is another victory lap for this young actor, who's going to go on to do big, big things."[12]

See also

References
  1. "Sundance 2014: South Central L.A. is the Wild West in 'Imperial Dreams' -- EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS". Entertainment Weekly. 2014-01-23. Archived from the original on May 7, 2014. Retrieved May 7, 2014.
  2. "Sundance Reveals New Talent John Boyega in 'Imperial Dreams'". TheWrap. 21 January 2014. Archived from the original on 28 June 2014. Retrieved May 7, 2014.
  3. "Sundance 2014: The Next Lineup". IndieWire. 10 January 2014. Archived from the original on 22 January 2014. Retrieved January 18, 2014.
  4. "Interview with Imperial Dreams Producer Katherine Fairfax Wright". Filmmaker. 20 January 2014. Archived from the original on 10 February 2014. Retrieved May 7, 2014.
  5. "Sundance: 'Whiplash' & 'Rich Hill' Win Grand Jury Awards; Dramatic Directing Goes To Cutter Hodierne For 'Fishing Without Nets'". Deadline Hollywood. 26 January 2014. Archived from the original on 12 June 2014. Retrieved January 26, 2014.
  6. "'Whiplash' Owns the 2014 Sundance Film Festival Awards Netting Two Top Prizes". IndieWire. 26 January 2014. Archived from the original on 7 May 2016. Retrieved January 26, 2014.
  7. Moore, Kasey (2023-01-05). "'Imperial Dreams': Netflix Original Movie Leaving in February 2023". What's on Netflix. Retrieved 2023-05-07.
  8. Moore, Kasey (2023-05-03). "Every Netflix Original Show and Movie Removed from Netflix". What's on Netflix. Retrieved 2023-05-07.
  9. "Imperial Dreams (2014)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Archived from the original on May 15, 2014. Retrieved May 15, 2014.
  10. "Sundance Film Review: 'Imperial Dreams'". Variety. 20 January 2014. Archived from the original on 15 May 2014. Retrieved May 7, 2014.
  11. "Imperial Dreams: Sundance Review". The Hollywood Reporter. 25 January 2014. Archived from the original on 14 April 2014. Retrieved May 7, 2014.
  12. "Sundance Review: 'Imperial Dreams' Features A Knockout Performance From 'Attack the Block' Star John Boyega". Indiewire. 26 January 2014. Archived from the original on May 14, 2014. Retrieved May 7, 2014.
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