One Lyfe to Live

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Bobby L @BobbyInLA 05/30/2025 “One Lyfe to Live” is a hard-hitting drama about a lost soul who wants to leave his rough street life, but his neighborhood and associates keeps pulling him back in. Masterfully directed by Deborah Cardona and Kevin Bencosme, who kept the pacing tight and the character’s moral dilemma real and heartfelt. The relationship between Lyfe and his girlfriend, and his friendship with a mentor from the streets are relatable and sincere, and the twists heartbreaking and intriguing. This film tells an engrossing urban tale that kept me captivated entire time. The writing and directing are unflinching, and the capable ensemble cast kept the story going at a fast pace. As we follow Lyfe’s journey through a world of violence and adversity, his future is marked by uncertainty, yet he faces life with a resilient spirit. Nicholas Sanchez is powerful and intriging as the lead character Lyfe, and I found myself rooting for him at the end of the film. Lyfe’s character is well developed, allowing viewers to empathize with both his pain and hope for a better life. The film features several characters who offers support and show Lyfe there is a better way, I found their moments to be inspirational that offers a glimmer of hope for the youths in the at-risk communities. The supporting cast excels in bringing colors and perspectives to those he loves, who utimately shapes Lyfe's experiences, Overall, I enjoyed watching “One Lyfe To Live" and found it to be a powerful film that shines a spotlight on the challenges faced by young black men in society. This is an important drama that is thought provoking and powerful, and well worth a watch. See more Andrew W @awpictures 12/01/2024 One Lyfe To Live is a inventive urban crime film shot on a low budget set in New York. Lyfe (Nicholas Sanchez) is a young criminal working with a small crew lead by the psychopathic Generation (Kevin Bescombe who also co directed) Lyfe isnt the worlds most sympathetic protagonist- he's violent manipulative impulsive and deeply self centred. Its almost like he's desensitized to everything unfolding round him- the only end to the road he's on is prison or death and he remains indifferent to both. Even an impending pregnancy with his ex-girlfriend and the prospect of fatherhood barely moves him. when a job goes horribly wrong it makes Lyfe a target of rival gangs , the police, members his own crew as it hurtles a him into a desperate course of redemption but it may already be too late. The film visually takes a lot of risks and moves very fast- the cameras move a lot- there's sweeping wide shots of the New York skyline and at one point Lyfe breaking the fourth wall and speaks directly to the audience. The energy reminded me of a young Spike Lee. Directors Kevin Bencosme and Deborah Cardona choose to defy the ugly stereotypes of this genre. We come across well meaning characters trying to do their best the most noted is Jimmy (Shawn Better) a former promising university academic turned drug addict who is inevitably swallowed whole by the streets. See more Read all reviews

One Lyfe to Live

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