Destiny – Einmal ganz oben stehen (1999)

Destiny – Einmal ganz oben stehen: Directed by William Jennings. With Damon Wayans, Gabriel Casseus, Christian Camargo, Malik Yoba. Chasing his dream, Anton leaves his aunt’s home in Harlem for downtown New York City, where a quick-witted street hustler named Wes cons him out of his life savings. Homeless and empty-handed, Matthew, a street musician stalled in his own dreams, invites Anton to perform with him in the park. Amazed by Anton’s singing talent, Matthew befriends him and attempts to keep him safe from Wes’s enterprising exploitation. Caught in the middle, Anton’s journey isn’t an easy one. The three men’s lives entwine and lead each down a path of destruction, truth and redemption.

“I saw this at the 2002 National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta. Itu0026#39;s a beauty — the quirky story line should appeal to all sorts of moviegoers, young and old, black and white, whatever. Writer-Director William Jenningsu0026#39; story will resonate with anyone who wants to believe we can overcome obstacles and achieve our dreams, even uncommon ones. That makes it sound saccharine, but bear in mind that Damon Wayans is in it! He helps make it a great blend of comedy, drama, and street u0026quot;reality.u0026quot; Basically, the plot involves a young man in Harlem (Gabriel Casseus) who dreams of becoming an opera singer. Heu0026#39;s developmentally disabled, a bit of a Forrest Gump, so misadventures ensue when he runs away from his domineering aunt. The characters are believable enough, the plot too, but nothing in the story line is easily predictable. Thatu0026#39;s part of this movieu0026#39;s enormous charm. Itu0026#39;s hard to know what to compare this with — Soul Food? Amelie? Itu0026#39;s even harder to believe that the film hasnu0026#39;t yet found an American distribution deal. u0026quot;Harlem Ariau0026quot; is the best movie Iu0026#39;ve seen in a long time.”