Feat. Algenis Perez Soto.
Sony Pictures Classics, 2009
Sugar follows the story of Miguel Santos, a. k. a. Sugar (Algenis Perez Soto), a Dominican pitcher from San Pedro de Macorís, using his raw abilities to prevail his family and himself from living in the slums of the Dominican Republic. Playing at a baseball academy in the Dominican Republic, Miguel is finally given his sliver of hope at age 19 when he advances to the United States' minor league system. However, he begins to question his journey to the Major Leagues when his play on the mound falters. His loss of confidence and ambition may be all he needs to go back to square one, in the slums of the Dominican Republic.
The success of Latin ballplayers like Roberto Clemente, Juan Marichal, and Orlando Cepeda are legends that have everlasting impacts on the legacy of baseball. Yet, we never hear about the hundreds that fail, those who get lost in the system or those who have a lack of control, who can't handle the pressure of exorbitant signing bonuses or the additional stress that comes along with the fame. In the movie, Sugar is a prime example of one of the many shortcomings. Initially, I viewed the movie to based upon another typical rising underdog who prospers to become a big shot, I was wrong. The movie takes an unexpected turn to reality, exemplifying the struggles of rising as an immigrant to a potential star. With unfamiliar environments, injuries, poor decisions making, lack of knowledge, and language and custom barriers are few of the many problems exhibited in the film. It gives a realization of the many courses that may be encountered as a rising professional sportsman.
Viewing the movie to be another typical underdog story, comparing it to the movie previously watched, Rocky. I felt they compared to each other in the aspect of living in their hometowns with their passion being their only way out, to be successful, living the "American Dream." During the beginning of both movies, they start off as essentially living as "bums," participating in their sport and celebrating their win, drinking alcohol. They also shared a sense of intimidation when given the opportunity of potentially becoming one step closer to their dream, feeling as if they are incompetent to complete the necessary task. However, they begin to detach from each other as Rocky, ends in fulfillment, honor, and satisfaction. Sugar ends in shortcomings, disappointment, and failure.
I personally would recommend this movie to high school students so that theu gain an understanding of reality in life. Not everything in life is all peaches and cream, becoming a superstar and living the "dream," downsides and failures are a reality as well. I feel Sugar was a great depiction of the faults that come along with chasing a dream without preparation and unexpected experiences.
No comments:
Post a Comment