Fruitvale Station by Michael Avila

Release date: July 12, 2013 (USA)
Director: Ryan Coogler
Budget: 900,000 USD
Box office: 17.4 million USD
Producers: Forest Whitaker, Nina Yang Bongiovi



Fruitvale station was based on a true story, which is why it makes this film even the more precious. From what is happening in society today it’s sad to say what was seen in this film is very true. Systematic racism and oppression still run our society, just in a subtle and discreet way. The situation that took place in the train station escalated in a way it shouldn’t have. What bothers me most was the fact that the police didn’t even try to understand the situation or put any effort in de-escalating the situation. They were trying to control Oscar and his friends by force and threats, but the only people that were scared were them. Oscar had a daughter waiting for him at home. He was just trying to please his girlfriend by going out for New Years. He didn’t ask to get jumped on the train, he really was the victim in the situation and in the end he was the one to get shot. It was a really emotional film, the director did a phenomenal job catching the exact essense of that situation. Reflecting on the way the film was in comparison to the actual situation recorded it was spot on. I would definitely recommend this film, it’s a great way to show people of real situations minorities have to go through and what can happen. These fellas were targeted and were treated justly and I commend the director for his great job of portraying the scenario without sugar coating anything.