I had no idea what I was getting into when I switched to a broadcast of "One Eight Seven" the other night. Having grown up in a quiet Canadian suburb, I was absolutely shocked at the hellish portrayal of East L.A. and the sex and violence inherent in that area. At first, I couldn't believe that things could possibly be that bad. I mean, look at "Dangerous Minds"! Granted, things got bad, but they glossed over most of it and made everybody "Hollywood" pretty. Not so in "One Eight Seven". I'm not sure which is closer to the truth, as I am determined to stay FAR away from East L.A.
Samuel L. Jackson was fantastic in a role that can only be described as completely, insanely psychotic. The caring, compassionate teacher by day, who would suspect Mr. Garfield of killing one student and seriously maiming another? But as soon as the first student disappears, the viewer immediately has a horrible, sickening sense of the truth.
The end had me completely floored (yes, I saw it coming, but still. HOLY GUACAMOLE!) I was, and am still, totally shocked by the fact that an environment like East L.A., and a school like One Eight Seven can actually exist in today's world. But I'm afraid that it's oh so true. Maybe not where I live, maybe not where you live, but definitely here in North America, where we're supposed to be enlightened and aware. Scary stuff - NOT for the faint of heart (or stomach).
Samuel L. Jackson was fantastic in a role that can only be described as completely, insanely psychotic. The caring, compassionate teacher by day, who would suspect Mr. Garfield of killing one student and seriously maiming another? But as soon as the first student disappears, the viewer immediately has a horrible, sickening sense of the truth.
The end had me completely floored (yes, I saw it coming, but still. HOLY GUACAMOLE!) I was, and am still, totally shocked by the fact that an environment like East L.A., and a school like One Eight Seven can actually exist in today's world. But I'm afraid that it's oh so true. Maybe not where I live, maybe not where you live, but definitely here in North America, where we're supposed to be enlightened and aware. Scary stuff - NOT for the faint of heart (or stomach).