Sprinter

Sprinter is a Jamaican sports drama film that was released in 2018. Directed by Storm Saulter, the film has an all-star cast, including Shantol Jackson, Lorraine Toussaint, and David Alan Grier.

The movie tells the story of a young Jamaican sprinter named Akeem Sharp (played by newcomer Dale Elliot). Akeem is a talented runner who dreams of becoming a world champion. However, his path to success is not easy. He lives in poverty with his mother and younger brother, and his father is in the United States, having abandoned his family years ago.

Akeem is picked up by a coach named Kendall (played by Kadeem Wilson) who sees his potential and offers to train him. However, Akeem’s mother is opposed to the idea of him becoming a professional athlete. She believes that running will not get him far in life and wants him to focus on getting an education.

Despite his mother’s objections, Akeem continues to train with Kendall and competes in local track meets. His talent is soon noticed by a media mogul named Mr. Hyman (played by David Alan Grier) who offers to sponsor him and help him get a scholarship to an American university.

As Akeem’s running career takes off, he must also deal with personal challenges. His relationship with his mother is strained, and he has never met his father. He also begins a romantic relationship with a girl named Sherone (played by Shantol Jackson) who has her own dreams of becoming a singer.

Throughout the film, Akeem struggles to balance his desire for success with his loyalty to his family and his country. He faces several setbacks on his journey to becoming a world-class runner, including a tragic event that threatens to derail his career.

Sprinter is set against the backdrop of Jamaica, a country renowned for producing some of the world’s greatest sprinters. The film showcases the beauty of the island nation, as well as the struggles that many Jamaicans face on a daily basis.

One of the strengths of the film is its portrayal of Jamaican culture. The characters speak in a mix of Jamaican Patois and English, and the soundtrack features several popular reggae and dancehall songs. The film also touches on issues such as poverty, crime, and the importance of family in Jamaican culture.

Another standout feature of the film is its performances. Dale Elliot delivers a captivating performance as Akeem, capturing the character’s determination and vulnerability. Lorraine Toussaint is also outstanding as Akeem’s mother, portraying her as a strong-willed woman who is motivated by her love for her family.

Overall, Sprinter is a powerful film that tells an inspiring story of perseverance and determination. It is a must-see for anyone who loves sports dramas or who wants to learn more about Jamaican culture.