"Hustle & Flow" is one of those terrific out-of-the-blue movies that come along every so often. No big names. A plot — pimp wants to become a rap star — that's unpromising, to say the least. A director no one's heard of. No studio interest (at first). Low budget. Shot in Memphis. Yes, Memphis. Which, in director Craig Brewer's hands, provides a unique background for an unusual — and unusually good — film. Read the full review
The story of a charismatic Memphis pimp who, after being shaken by mid-life crisis, is drawn to create and record his own hip-hop music with the support of his friends and "family."
Director: Craig Brewer
Starring: Terrence Howard, Anthony Anderson, Taryn Manning, Taraji P. Henson
Run time: 114 minutes
Release date: July 22, 2005
Rating: R for sex and drug content, pervasive language and some violence
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The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: A-
"Though the language is quite foul and the sexuality and domestic violence can get down-and-dirty, at heart Hustle & Flow is pure Rocky."
Austin American-Statesman: 4 of 5 stars
"The movie's formulaic contours get blasted out by a beat that feels new and urgent and now."
The Palm Beach Post: B+
"With its grainy view of the world and a surprising directness, (writer-director Craig Brewer) seduces us into caring about and empathizing with DJay and his dream."
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