A short film review about HALLELUJAH

Some films and directorial styles are known for their direct and clear warnings of a reality that not everyone is aware of. When it comes to criticism, I try to enter a world of 9kmovies that may not be familiar to me, but is familiar enough for me to pay attention. One of the environments in which the events of these films take place is gangs and gang culture. Often, two hours is enough time to explore in depth and challenge the system.

Witty characters who are living their own hell

But sometimes the films go further. They can reveal real (and not necessarily realistic) problems. The short film Hallelujah is an example: the story, which lasts less than 15 minutes, is told from the point of view of witty characters who are living their own hell. But what happens next? Is there really anything in it?

Boy decides to commit suicide and fails

In Hallelujah, we see two brothers relaxing in their backyard in Compton, California. The girl is playing. The boy in the strange clothes mumbles about books and existential matters. They are, to say the least, impressed. But then the boy decides to commit suicide and fails. We then learn that the boy has a strange interest in suicide and death. When the boy and girl try to leave the house, they are chased by two men. They discover the reason for the boy's strange thoughts.

Terrible and messy as a gang

Victor Gabriel wrote and directed "Hallelujah" for one purpose. To try to understand the consequences of something as terrible and messy as a gang. In the society he grew up in, violence is not accepted as normal. This is an attempt to comment on the cynical normalization of such a tragedy. And his commentary is raw and full of the strange hope that flourishes in the strangest, most human of places, where families are born out of tragedy.

Creativity in the film's key scenes

It's impossible not to be reminded of John Singleton's style of scene construction and Spike Lee's creativity in the film's key scenes at 9kmovies 2022. Constantly filming characters being created and played out is a smart move given the short film format. Tragedies happen when you least expect them (and to the people you least expect). Facts become causes and then objects, hallelujah.

Film about unconditional love

As you read above, Hallelujah is not a terrible short film. Yes, it is tragic. But that's not a sad word. It's a poignant film about unconditional love and, strange as it may seem, the predictability of crime in the circles where it still reigns. For some, it has become a way of life.

Coupled with impressive cinematography

Perhaps too much has already been said, but the humorous elements of the film remind the viewer that this is not a simple, repetitive message. The film's voiceover makes it seem like a comedy, but I assure you it is not. The lead roles of Bruce Lymon, Richard Nevels, Stephen Leroy Thomas and Mariah Farms are enough to make the film memorable. All of this, coupled with impressive cinematography, makes the short film Hallelujah the perfect embodiment of an idea that has yet to be fully expressed: love grows like weed in the most unnatural and unacceptable places.