Michael (or Fresh as he’s well known) is a 12-year-old drug pusher who lives in a crowded housing project with his cousins and aunt. His father has become a street bum, but still meets with Fresh on occasion to play chess. Fresh is rather quiet in a crazy world. Fresh’s sister is a junkie who sleeps with the dealers who Fresh sells for. As the story progresses Fresh realizes that he doesn’t want to sell drugs anymore, he wants out.

Fresh (1994)
  • Rating: (5,822 votes)
  • Taglines:In a world where criminals make the rules an innocent boy is out to beat them at their own game. » A thriller unlike anything you've seen before. »
  • Runtime:114 minutes
  • Director: Boaz Yakin
  • Countries:USA, France
  • Actors:
    Fresh
    Sean Nelson
    Esteban
    Giancarlo Esposito
    Sam
    Samuel L. Jackson
    Nichole
    N'Bushe Wright
    Corky
    Ron Brice
    Jake (as Jean LaMarre)
    Jean-Claude La Marre
    Lt. Perez
    José Zúñiga
    Chuckie
    Luis Lantigua
    Chillie
    Yul Vazquez
    Aunt Frances
    Cheryl Freeman
  • Genres:Crime, Drama, Thriller
  • Producers:
    Lawrence Bender
    producer  
    Lila Cazès
    executive producer  
    JoAnn Fregalette Jansen
    associate producer  
    Randy Ostrow
    producer  
    Chrisann Verges
    co-producer  
  • Plot: Michael (or Fresh as he's well known) is a 12-year-old drug pusher who lives in a crowded housing project with his cousins and aunt. His father has become a street bum, but still meets with Fresh on occasion to play chess. Fresh is rather quiet in a crazy world. Fresh's sister is a junkie who sleeps with the dealers who Fresh sells for. As the story progresses Fresh realizes that he doesn't want to sell drugs anymore, he wants out. Written by ns74212@students.salisbury.edu
Fresh
  • User's comment:This is the best drama I have EVER seen by (WestSider)

    This film will completely astound you. Unspoiled by the gangsta rap, and glamorisation of street culture that normally pervades a 'black' film, it tells the story of the 12-year old, chess-playing, drug-dealing streetwise genius, Fresh.

    Living in poverty with 11 others in his aunt's house, and using his wits to survive, he slowly gets trapped deeper and deeper in the world of drugs, a world in which all his loyalties are challenged.

    Most 'hood films either satirise black culture completely with their loud, cool attitudes, or on the other become touchy-feely anti-drugs schmaltz. This is the ONLY film I have seen to tread the thin line between them and come away looking not only credible, but superbly enjoyable.

    Both Giancarlo Esposito (the smooth talking drugs dealer) and Samuel L. Jackson (the alcoholic chess-master tramp) give strong, realistic performances in challenging roles. The other characters (like N'Bushe Wright's portrayal of Fresh's sister) are also incredibly well played, and every single one of them is believable.

    However, the main credit HAS to go to Sean Nelson. I have never seen such a dignified performance, and i can honestly say that I was AMAZED at how involving the film was. You could empathise with him every step of the way. He was never overly emotional, yet never came across as being arrogant and calculating. He plays the 'streetwise genius' role to perfection, again, remaining completely credible.

    The script was also fantastic. Full marks to Boaz Yakin for such an accurate picture of life in the ghetto. This is not a film for those who want the cheap formulaic thrills of violence, sex and guns that are so prevalent today. There are no special effects, no overly violent scenes. Instead, the movie relies on superb acting and a relentless drive for gritty realism.

    I cannot recommend this film enough to anyone who appreciates drama - it will really open your eyes.


  • Quotes: Sam: Anything lost can be found again, except for time wasted. Sam: Your queen is just a pawn with some fancy moves, nothing more. Chuckie: I got the dope moves.
  • Also known as: Fresh (Spain), Kint az utcán (Hungary - imdb display title),

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