Norman P. Carter

I "enjoyed" this movie even though I fould myself relating to a lot of the experiences had by Clarke and Mack. Whenever I saw Gina I kept thinking of Rosemary from Mrs. America - it was difficult for me to see her as a different character, though she played here role in the film very well. Little Boxes - the boxes we put people in, the boxes others put us in, the space we reduce ourselves to when sometimes not dealing effectively with the surrounding world, etc. is a title that fits. If there was a follow-up I'd love to see how maybe Mack reconciles w/ the situation that happened at the bar via his experiences w/ blackness in the past and how that will potentially affect his son's future, esp. giving the surrounding neighborhood. The most obvious route however is a direct jump into how Clark evolves. Would such a movie further address the comment made by Clark's cousin - "Another black man succumbs?" Through Clark's other (black classmates)? Through a visit w/ family from his father's side? Lastly, what to make of Joan and Ambrosia? The freedom exercised/expressed by both, esp. the latter in contrast with the restraint from Clark and his parents made for an interesting dynamic to observe throughout the film!

In terms of quality this movie is sooooooooooo far removed from the volume of one star reviews it received it's ridiculous!!! IMO many of the claims that the movie is pushing child pornography sacrifices needed focus on the central theme of the movie: Trying to adhere to a strict, conservative culture at home while living amongst one of the more liberal societies in the world. Maïmouna Doucouré's film presents a vivid look at a number of challenges a young girl may navigate along the journey from prepubescence to puberty. Don't get scared off by the negative reviews. See the film for yourself and then judge as you wish.