User Reviews

'One Lyfe to Life' is an atmospheric film that builds its tension slowly. The visuals are intended to create a gritty, raw feel. Despite the simplicity of the visuals and lighting, they still immerse a viewer and allow one to be fully absorbed into the story of Lyfe, who is living in a tumultuous struggle in New York. The slow motion during some of the confrontation sequences is warranted and the use of deep depth of field allows the viewer to take in the full landscape/atmosphere. Wonderful score and overall, the flow of the scenes works well. The film could have been further immersive with cleaner sound in some places and enhanced performances, but still a great story of perseverance with a theological undertone.

This is a hard-hitting drama about a character who wants to leave his rough life in a tough neighborhood "the hood" but his environment keeps pulling him back in. The direction is strong, especially when the action ramps up, and the editing keeps the story moving along at a steady pace towards the bittersweet conclusion. Most of the acting is solid, although I wish there was more time spent on the relationship between the lead and a supporting character with drug problems since that becomes more important as the narrative progresses. There is a narration that comes in every now and then that seems a bit jarring when it breaks the fourth wall, but most of the character relationships are developed nicely through the characters' interactions. The audio is also a bit jarring at times, as it cuts off and sounds muffled in places. But the story is strong and I appreciated that it shows that there is also love and support in "the hood" as much as there is violence and tough times.

First off, this movie is oozing with style, lots of well thought out slow motion and intentionally minimal sound design set it apart. The music is on another level, I loved all of it and even threw a few songs into my playlist. I'd be super interested in seeing what these guys could do with more expert cinematography.

The plot revolves around a 20-something black man living in NYC. The plot is a little thin, but in a way it's kind of perfect for this experience. His story sort of wanders forward, weaving in and out of others lives, no part of it more important than any other, yet all of it together is like a full picture made of smaller puzzle pieces. I found myself super engaged with Lyfe (and especially with his budding relationship with Ayana) and his struggles, even as he made poor choices and learned his lessons. Lots of wisdom scattered throughout and I appreciate that the filmmakers took the subject matter seriously. Bittersweet ending really hit hard.

"One Lyfe To Live" is an engrossing film that delves deep into the life of Lyfe Benjamin, a young and uneducated black man navigating the challenges of street life. The movie's compelling storyline presents a thought-provoking exploration of the struggles faced by many black men in the country today. It masterfully portrays the realities of a demographic often marginalized and misunderstood, shedding light on the complex web of societal factors that contribute to their precarious circumstances.

The film grips the audience from the very beginning, as we follow Lyfe Benjamin's journey through a maze of adversity. We witness his upbringing in an impoverished neighborhood, where limited access to quality education and resources poses significant obstacles. His youth is marked by uncertainty, but he faces life with a resilient spirit, determined to survive and succeed despite the odds stacked against him.

Through powerful storytelling and raw emotions, "One Lyfe To Live" humanizes Lyfe Benjamin and others like him. The movie portrays the challenges they confront daily, from gang violence to the constant threat of incarceration. It doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of life in the streets, making the audience confront uncomfortable truths about the systemic disadvantages endured by marginalized communities.

The character development in the film is exceptional, allowing viewers to empathize with Lyfe Benjamin's struggles and aspirations. He's not portrayed as a mere statistic but as a three-dimensional individual with dreams and desires. This portrayal serves as a crucial reminder that behind every statistic lies a human story deserving of compassion and understanding.

The film also explores the role of support systems and how they can make a profound difference in shaping a person's trajectory. We see glimpses of hope when Lyfe Benjamin encounters mentors and positive influences who believe in his potential. These moments underscore the significance of fostering supportive environments and investing in education and resources for at-risk communities.

"One Lyfe To Live" raises pertinent questions about societal responsibility and accountability. It urges viewers to critically examine the factors contributing to the cycle of poverty and crime that disproportionately affects black men. The film sparks a conversation about the urgent need for comprehensive and equitable social reforms to break this cycle and empower individuals to reach their full potential.

The outstanding performances of the cast add authenticity and emotional depth to the narrative. Lyfe Benjamin's character is portrayed with genuine emotion, making his journey both heart-wrenching and inspiring. The supporting cast excels in bringing to life the various people who influence and shape Lyfe's experiences, further enriching the film's tapestry.

The direction and cinematography in "One Lyfe To Live" contribute significantly to its impact. The film's gritty and realistic visual style mirrors the urban environments in which the story unfolds, immersing the audience in Lyfe Benjamin's world. The director's decision to use a mix of close-up shots and wide angles allows the audience to feel the characters' emotions intimately while providing a broader context for their struggles.

The film's soundtrack, carefully curated to complement the narrative, enhances the viewing experience. It effectively evokes a range of emotions, from heart-pounding tension during intense scenes to reflective melancholy in moments of introspection.

Overall, "One Lyfe To Live" is a powerful and thought-provoking film that shines a spotlight on the challenges faced by young black men in society. Its gripping storyline, compelling performances, and honest portrayal of complex issues make it a must-watch for audiences seeking to understand the human stories behind the statistics. The film serves as a reminder that meaningful change requires acknowledging and addressing the systemic inequities that perpetuate the cycle of struggle for so many. Kudos to everyone involved in this cinematic masterpiece for their dedication to telling a story that demands to be heard.

I absolutely love this movie the storyline is so relatable. All of the cast did a great job in telling the story. It is really hard for young black men out here especially when they choose the street life which would only lead them in only two directions which is either dead, or in jail an as a mother i know first hand how it feels to wanna protect your son from these mean streets. The name of the movie says it all we only have one life to live.

I wanna give a big round of applause to my aunt Deborah Cardona and all of the cast ya did a absolutely amazing job can't wait to see if there's a part 2.

Here is my honest critique. Overall, this was a good movie. The story was well written with some good subplots. The pacing was good, a few slow moments, but good. This story depicted a realistic and relatable view of how some young men are caught in this never ending web of street life. Good way to depict the mother's fears of loosing their children to the street life. I am glad that this movie did not romanticize the street life, but displayed both sides, action and consequences. I thought some of the actors could have been a little stronger in their performances and there were a few audio issues throughout. The musical score was captivating and really gave this movie a soul. Good job.

I was drawn in from the very start of the film. As a former New Yorker I absolutely love how New York this film feels. The production value was quite impressive and the runtime ran perfect throughout the narrative of this gripping film. The actors all brought their A game and delivered memorable and unique performances. This is a very character driven film that feels fresh and original full of raw emotions. The score and direction of this narrative are brilliant and come together in a very authentic and believable way that makes me want to see more from this incredibly talented team. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a solid and authentic drama.

Just watched this movie the other day. It was a great movie to watch. The actors did a great performance. One scene that really caught my attention and was really sad was the single mom. She did her best as a mom, and it wasn't easy for her. Many single moms go through similar situations. I will encourage my friends and family to watch this movie with their teenagers. It's a message for young men to understand that it's more to life than just maintaining the streets and just focus on their future with positive vibes. Congratulations and continue your journey. I will continue supporting your accomplishments.

This movie is amazing from beginning to end. It resonates with everyday life growing up in Spanish Harlem or in any hood this movie is the culture the truth & also very touching I love it. I rate this movie 20+ and will definitely be watching it again & again also I will be telling everyone I know to please watch and spread the word on this film. LETS RUN THESE NUMBERS UP and definitely can't wait to see the next movie that Director Deborah Cardona drops. I see you girl keep doing your thing your work speaks for itself keep up the great work. Also the actors in this film did they thing shout out to all of you guys for making this movie amazing.

One Lyfe to Live is a really captivating story following a young man who wants to better his life, but is left with limited options as adulthood sets in. This film tells a really powerful story, and it kept me engaged the entire time. It truly is a captivating movie!! Really worth taking the time to watch. The writing, directing, and acting are all solid. While it may not be perfect, as an independent film, the creators did a great job. I also appreciate how they filmed a lot of scenes on location because this ultimately made the story feel more real. It also showed the nuance of "the hood life" and how it's not purely violence and crime, but there is friendship and love as well.

Had the privilege of attending the pre screening of One lyfe to live and automatically fell in love with the story as well as the characters. The Director did an amazing job investing in this talent. This movie was a raw look into the eyes of reality on our streets and the lives of our young men and consequences behind making poor choices. This story is familiar to many especially in today's society where our young men with close to no education finds it easier to walk the quick and easy road in-spite of the pain they cause. One lyfe to live is definitely a reality check for those looking to find their way. Amazing job to Deborah Cardona.