Every step brings you closer to the edge|Jul. 26, 2013|United States|82 Min.|R
Genre: Drama
Description: “Fruitvale Station” (2013) portrays the life of Oscar Grant III, a 22-year-old from Hayward, California, and the events of his final day before he was tragically shot by BART Police on New Year’s Day 2009. The film opens with actual footage of Grant and his friends being detained by BART Police at the Fruitvale BART station in Oakland on January 1, 2009, moments before the fatal incident.
The story follows Grant as he navigates personal challenges, including a heated argument with his girlfriend, Sophina, about his infidelity. He attempts to regain his job at a grocery store but is unsuccessful. While contemplating selling marijuana, he ultimately decides to discard it. Grant attends his mother Wanda’s birthday party and agrees to take the BART train to San Francisco to celebrate New Year’s, as she is concerned about him driving.
During the return trip, a former acquaintance recognizes Grant, leading to a confrontation. BART Police intervene, and Grant is detained. While restrained, he is shot in the back by an officer. Grant is rushed to the hospital but passes away after emergency surgery.
The film concludes with title cards detailing the aftermath of Grant’s death, which sparked widespread protests and riots. The involved officers were fired, and the shooter, claiming to have mistaken his gun for a Taser, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and served an 11-month sentence. The final moments show a gathering of people honoring Grant’s life on New Year’s Day 2013, with his daughter, Tatiana, present among them.
Cast director: Ryan Coogler
Cast actor: Michael B. Jordan, Melonie Diaz, Octavia Spencer, Kevin Durand, Chad Michael Murray, Ahna O’Reilly, Ariana Neal, Keenan Coogler, Trestin George, Joey Oglesby
Original name: Fruitvale Station