Know How

Know How, directed by Juan Carlos Piñeiro Escoriaza, produced by Paul Griffin and released in 2015, offers an impactful viewing experience that combines elements of drama and true-life experiences. The movie features Deshawn Brown, Niquana Clark, Michael Dew, and others, who not only act but also contribute to the unique concept of the movie which revolves around the life struggles of foster youths and the system that oversees them.

The film is a musical, woven together to create an extraordinary amalgamation of reality and dramatized life experiences of young people. Through the blend of these elements, it explores the struggles, resilience, and survival instincts of foster kids, adding a layer of authenticity which makes it more than just another drama movie.

Know How stands out because it is neither purely fiction nor strictly documentary - it’s a hybrid between the two. This experimental cinema approach brings forward the harsh realities of the lives of troubled foster youths with the help of riveting performances and compelling storylines. The young, non-professional cast members, some of whom have experienced a life in foster care, wrote and acted their own scenes, based on their experiences, which adds depth to their characters and efficacity to the movie.

Deshawn Brown, one of the movie's lead performers, delivers a remarkable performance. His role revolves around a youngster trapped in a challenging societal structure, showcasing his trials and tribulations as he tries to navigate through life. Niquana Clark, another prominent character, depicts a gritty young girl woven in a web of domestic complexities. The varied spectrum of experiences, as portrayed by these young talents, offers a plethora of emotions that keep the viewers thoroughly engaged.

Michael Dew adds another layer to the film's emotional core, providing the much-needed cinematic intensity. His narrative sheds light on an intricate realm of life that is demanding yet often misunderstood. The viewers witness his character wrestling through life situations that many foster kids face, adding an impactful punch to the unique plot of the movie.

The musical genre does not only make Know How aesthetically commendable, but it also serves as a soulful channel to express the kaleidoscope of struggle, pain, and hope entangled in the lives of these young individuals. It corroborates with the script, the acting, and the overall thematic essence of the movie to relay a poignant narrative about young lives stuck in an imperfect system.

The director Juan Carlos Piñeiro Escoriaza deserves praise for the successful execution of this ambitious project. He took a real-life issue and wove it into a cinematic plot that isn’t just meant for entertainment. His creation serves as a critical societal commentary. It aims to bring some much-needed attention to the flaws in the foster care system and the children it often fails.

The producer, Paul Griffin, supported this vision thoroughly. His contribution to the conception of the film's idea and its execution, along with the director, played a significant part in its success. They’ve managed to respectfully and empathetically showcase the vulnerable side of the society, casting light on the dire need for changes to be made in the system that's meant to protect them.

To sum up, Know How is indeed a one-of-a-kind cinema that boldly takes on the task of storytelling from the perspective of the most vulnerable demographic - the youth in foster care. Through its brave and seamless blend of factual life experiences, dramatized narratives, and creatively woven musical interludes, it provides viewers with a raw insight into the world that often remains unnoticed and less spoken about.

This movie will leave you with a feeling of melancholic sincerity, and above all, a perspective that will help you to garner understanding around the nuances of the foster care system as well as growing up within its constraints. While Know How might appear as a movie about foster kids, it is, in truth, a powerful outcry for the need of systemic reform, and a testament to the resilience and strength of these young individuals.