From the executive producers of New York Undercover, this high-powered cop drama is about identical twins on opposite sides of life: Trane, a cop, and Bird, a con (portrayed by Larenz Tate). On one fateful night, Trane is killed. Bird assumes his identity and begins his own search for redemption. Set in the mean streets of New York, this smart, gritty two-hour movie event features an ensemble cast of characters operating on all sides of the law, where no one is quite what they seem. In addition to Larenz Tate, the cast includes Michael Aronov, Shanti Ashanti and Cassius Bythewood (the writer/director’s son!)
This thought provoking movie really hits home for the RCS media team as we personally know the Executive Director Reggie Rock Bythewood. Reggie, a dear childhood friend, and his beautiful wife Gina Prince have written & directed some of Hollywood’s biggest ‘black’ buster movies such as “Get On The Bus”, “Love & Basketball”, “Biker Boyz”, “Notorious” “The Secret Life of Bees” and “Daddy’s Girl” just to name a few. This dynamic duo always seems to direct, write and produce movies that encompass the 3 ‘R’s’ of successful black filmmaking: real, relatable and relevant to the African American experience.
I love that Reggie always uses names and places familiar to those in his circle almost as a way to communicate to his peeps that he hasn’t forgotten where he came from. “Gun Hill” was no different – he named a character after one of our home girls!!! “Evander Childs” is one of the schools he used in the movie which is an actual high school many of our friends attended. Whenever we go to see one of his movies, we never know which name or place he’s going to use.
During the BET Experience Film Festival I got to “experience” Reggie Rock Bythewood the director, the filmmaker talking about this project. He delved into the duality of the character portrayed by Larenz Tate and the juxtaposition to his relationship with parents: an absentee father whom he didn’t have a relationship with and a loving single mother. I learned a lot about Reggie that afternoon and I’m glad I didn’t miss seeing Gun Hill!
I hope to see Gun Hill on the big screen really soon (I’m putting this thought into the universe!). Additionally, inside sources are hopeful that ‘Gun Hill ‘ will eventually become a TV series. I love this idea as it is an extension of Bythewood’s creativity, he’s certainly got the experience and it allows the legacy of ‘Gun Hill’ to continue.
RCS Sidebar: Gun Hill highlights a little-known form of martial arts created by African Americans called 52 Blocks. Its this kind of insight that has garnered Reggie Bythewood’s long overdue invitation into the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. CONGRATULATIONS REGGIE!
PS – Be on the look out for Gina Prince Bythewood’s next production ‘Blackbird’
