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Poster for South Central

South Central

Seen it?

1992 | 99 min | Crime, Drama

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (75% on Rotten Tomatoes). A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for crime-drama fans. If you loved The Shawshank Redemption or Cool Hand Luke, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Dark and gritty.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 39 min.
What might put you off
Rated R: meant for adults.

During a 10-year sentence for murdering the leader of a rival South Central Los Angeles gang, Bobby Johnson finds religion and rehabilitation with the help of Muslim inmate Ali. Upon his release, Bobby returns home to find that his young son, Jimmie, has joined the Deuces, his old crew. Tensions rise as Bobby struggles to convince Jimmie to leave the gang that was his only family during the painful years his absent father spent behind bars.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    75% on Rotten Tomatoes, 64 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.7 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerSolid

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 90K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Stephen Milburn Anderson

  • Glenn PlummerBobby
  • Byron MinnsRay Ray
  • Lexie BighamBear
  • Vincent Craig DupreeLoco
  • LaRita ShelbyCarole
  • Carl LumblyAli
  • Vickilyn ReynoldsWillie's Wife
  • Kevin BestGenie Lamp
  • Big Daddy WayneHenchman
  • Allan HatcherBaby Jimmie