Strive

Strive is a heartwarming, inspirational drama released in 2019 that tells the story of a young African-American woman aiming to break free from the limitations of her impoverished background to reach her dreams. Set in Harlem, New York, the film paints a vivid picture of the struggles that many inner-city youth face, and the extraordinary determination required to overcome them. The strong ensemble cast includes veteran actor Danny Glover, Michelle Joyner, and Scarlett Sperduto, who together bring this touching journey to life.

The central character of Strive, referred to as "Kandi," is portrayed by Joi Starr, whose performance stands out in delivering the tenacity and passion that her character embodies. Kandi is a high school senior whose goal is to get accepted into Yale University, a prestigious Ivy League school. Her journey towards this objective forms the core of the movie's plot.

Despite living in a tough NYC neighborhood with her family where opportunities are limited, and college dreams are often discouraged, Kandi refuses to give up her ambitions. Throughout her journey, Kandi encounters various barriers and obstacles, ranging from the harsh realities of her socio-economic status to the pressures and expectations of her family.

Hope enters Kandi's life in the form of her mentor, Michael, played by esteemed actor, Danny Glover. Michael recognizes Kandi's passion and undeniable talent and helps guide her in her academic pursuits. A former Yale graduate himself, Michael represents the optimist and unfettered dreams in the character's life, showcasing a different path than what has traditionally been expected in her society.

Throughout Strive, Kandi must juggle numerous challenges, showing her balancing school life with working multiple jobs to assist with family finances. This nuanced portrait of her life adds a layer of complexity to her character - showing her not only as a determined young woman chasing a dream but as someone who also bears responsibilities at home.

Strive is filled with scenes of emotional intensity as it navigates through Kandi's life. Surrounded by myriad pressures, including her older sister Fantasia's negative influences and escalating societal issues, the film explores how Kandi frequently battles between maintaining her focus on her goal and succumbing to her surrounding circumstances.

In the movie, Michelle Joyner portrays Kandi's hardworking and loving yet realistic mother, who has always had to make do in life. Although supportive, she has reservations about Kandi's ambitious plan. Scarlett Sperduto, on the other hand, plays the role of Rosie, Kandi's loyal best friend and confidant through all the ups and downs. Rosie's unfaltering belief in her friend's dreams is constant throughout the narrative and serves as a strong support system for Kandi.

Directed by Robert Rippberger, Strive is an exploration of the steely determination required to overcome socio-economic and related barriers. The film manages to navigate issues of poverty, family, education, ambition, and resilience deftly, without ever resorting to overly stereotypical tropes. Rippberger, with the help of an impressive performance by the cast, particularly Joi Starr and Danny Glover, brings out the emotions and the underlying issues subtly, making the overall narrative thought-provoking and inspiring.

Shot on location in Harlem, the cinematography is commendable, as it effectively captures the essence of the neighborhood, displaying both the challenges and the rich culture of the community. The raw, authentic depiction of the world through Kandi’s eyes adds a layer of authenticity to the story while also highlighting the struggles others like her face daily.

The music, composed by Michael Kramer, augments the screenplay perfectly. It embodies the spirit of resilience, hope, and ambition against all odds. As we follow Kandi’s journey, the soul-stirring melody’s notes leave us inspired and moved while reflecting the hardships, sacrifices, and the ever-prevailing hope central to the film's message.

To conclude, Strive is more than just a film; it is a mirror reflecting the extraordinary desire and potential found in everyday lives, especially those confined within societal constructs and constraints. It projects a powerful message of determination, resilience, dreams, and the lengths one is willing to go to achieve them. Without unnecessary melodrama, the film becomes an extraordinary portrayal of an ordinary life, aiming for the exceptional, against all odds. It offers a narrative that resonates with a wide audience while inspiring everyone with dreams larger than their reality. Strive is about taking that big leap, despite the odds, and pushing forward for it. It persuades viewers to strive for their ambitions, much like Kandi does in her unwavering quest for her education.