Review
Joel Alfonso's feature debut reveals the director’s vision and background right from its title. The original title is not just long—it is in two languages, mirroring the film itself. (The subtitle roughly means: Destiny, tell them I am not a bad guy.) The film centers on Rico, a Dominican-American teen living in a cramped Bronx apartment with his mother and younger sister. He constantly butts heads with his hard-working mom and teenage sister while commuting to sell drinks on a peaceful beach to make a living. Yet his seemingly ordinary life takes a dramatic turn when fate intervenes, permanently altering his teenage existence. With a filmmaking approach as vibrant as the performances, Vargas creates characters who are both unique yet utterly realistic, reminding us that life does not always unfold the way we expect. (Sung MOON)
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