This is the opening 'action' scene. We see a drug addicted mother 'order' her kid son to go and rob a corner shop, in order to sell the goods to raise money to feed her drug habit.
Here we see the other main character of the film. This is 'the guy on the right side of tracks'. However, based on misplaced misconception, he is now tarnished with the same brush as the kid that previously tried to rob the shop.
Can the way we dress, really tell us the content of another person's character? Does wearing a 'hoody' make someone more likely to be a thief, than someone who dresses in a 'suit' and gambles other people's money on the open market? Discuss.
The main character returns to the same shop, but this time, dressed in business attire, and receives altogether a completely different reception, partly because the shop keeper doesn't realise it's the same guy, wearing the 'hoody' from a day earlier. Mmmm.
A memo runs off a fax machine in a University, which discusses the disparity between the % of ethnic minorities that end up in correctional institutions versus the amount that go on to further education. The facts are not great reading!
The main character has been asked by the Dean of Law School to speak to some of the students at the same University that received the memo. However, as he enters the building, the girl on reception assumes he is looking for the probation centre and attempts to dismiss ...
The kid from the opening action scene is being chased by some other youths. What for? Does he owe them drug money? Is it because he is in the wrong postcode? The plot thickens!
In a 'Sliding Doors' moment, the kid from the opening scene, and the other main characters' worlds collide! In order to call back up, the kid steals the guys' phone as he trys to escape from the other youths.
The main character goes to the police station to report the crime, but is about to receive a rude awakening!
The police fall for a case of 'mistaken identity' and arrest our main character!
Once the police check all of our main characters' 'vital statistics' they realise that they have made a mistake, process his original request, and duly let him get on his way... to do his speech at the University!
Ironically, as our main character finishes his 'inspiring speech' he receives a call from the same police station – as they caught the 'phone thief!'
Face to face for the 1st time – Al Pacino & Robert DeNiro eat your heart out! Our main character turns from the victim to the accused to support for the 'victim'
The moment of clarity – the kid confessesto the shop robbery, and to stealing the main character's phone. The reason he gives is both saddening and shocking.