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From
Academy Award winner Curtis Hanson (Director of L.A
Confidential) 8 Mile is a provocative fictional examination
of a critical week in Jimmy’s life. Starring multi-platinum
recording artist Eminem in his first leading role in a feature
film.
For Hanson, 8 Mile was an opportunity to
once again explore a unique stratum of American culture, to
peel back its layers and take a look at people struggling
to find their way: "In 8 Mile, we are exposed to a world
little known or visited in film, or in mainstream news coverage:
impoverished America struggling to make it legitimately in
the recesses of the inner city."
Hanson has also nothing but praise for Eminem's
acting debut: “Marshall gave me all a director could
ask for from an actor – enormous talent, focus, dedication
and a total commitment to the story we were trying to tell.
He came at the job with humility, respect and tremendous self-discipline."
The people of Detroit know 8 Mile is the
city limit, a border, the dividing line between urban and
suburban, between black and white. It is also a psychological
dividing line that separates Jimmy Smith Jr. (Eminem) from
where and who he wants to be.
Survival is key in the lower harsh depths
of Detroit, and for many, including Jimmy, the life preserver
is hip hop. In the absence of nurturing parents, Jimmy and
his friends have created their own family. It's this 'crew'
that live on the hopes of getting that big deal.
The world of Detroit's hip hop clubs is
one that Eminem knows well "I remember, if I lost a battle,
it would be like my entire world was crumbling."
8 mile is a story about these boundaries
that define our lives, and a young man's struggle to find
the strength and courage to transcend them.
Release Date: 17th Jan
Distributor: UIP
Cert: 15
Running Time: 111 mins
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