Our take
Spike Lee directs the story of Monty (Edward Norton) and his life in 24 hours before he is to serve a 7 year sentence in jail. It’s easy to develop a sentimental bond with Monty as well as the childhood friends he chooses to spend his last hours with – played by then underground actors Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Rosario Dawson. It’s aggressive and it’s blunt, but it’s an interesting, relatable character study that finds director Spike Lee in top form.
What it won
Berlin
1 nom
Golden Globes
1 nom
The story
On the eve of a seven-year prison sentence, a New York drug dealer spends his final day of freedom confronting his past, his relationships, and the choices that led to his downfall in a city still reeling from 9/11.
Elsewhere
"Character-driven pic provides strong opportunities for a fine ensemble of actors and for Lee, maintaining his signature style, to depart from his regular ethnic territory ... and to deliver one of his more interesting recent films."
— David Rooney
The details
Streaming arrival
