We Grown Now: A Nostalgic Tale of Childhood Friendship and Dreaming
Immerse yourself in the lives of two young boys growing up in the Cabrini-Green public housing complex in 1992. Experience their captivating friendship, imaginative dreams, and longing for escape against the gritty reality of their surroundings. Join them on a journey of innocence and the power of imagination in the film ‘We Grown Now’.
A Nostalgic Tale of Childhood Friendship and Dreaming
Step back in time to 1992 and immerse yourself in the lives of two young boys growing up in the Cabrini-Green public housing complex in Chicago. In this nostalgic tale, we witness the profound bond of childhood friendship and the power of dreaming as a means of escape.
( Credit to: Nytimes )
Against the backdrop of cinder block walls and a concrete playground, these charming and vulnerable boys find solace in their shared adventures. One of them possesses a fondness for leaping through the air, as if he were flying, while the other has a more down-to-earth personality. Together, they navigate the challenges of their surroundings and create their own dream worlds.
( Credit to: Nytimes )
Join Malik and Eric, portrayed by talented child actors, as they find solace in an abandoned apartment, engage in conversations, and gaze at the stained and cracked ceiling, allowing their imagination to conjure visions akin to those found beneath the expansive sky. Experience the love and support of their families, the longing for escape, and the innocence of childhood in the face of adversity.
A Whimsical Journey to the Art Institute of Chicago
One day, overcome by boredom during class, the boys embark on a spontaneous adventure. They hop on a train and find themselves at the Art Institute of Chicago. Within the museum’s galleries, they explore various artworks, pausing before Walter Ellison’s renowned painting, ‘Train Station,’ which depicts a segregated terminal in 1935.
The boys are captivated by the beauty, intrigue, and familiarity intertwined with mystery in the painting. As they race through the museum, the other patrons remain frozen in place, as if existing in a different dimension. It is in this moment that Malik connects the painting to his grandmother’s home in Mississippi, adding a weightiness to their whimsical journey.
Experience the wonder and awe as the boys navigate the museum, encountering art that sparks their imagination and resonates with their personal experiences. Witness their youthful curiosity and the way art can transport them to a world beyond their own.
Capturing the Essence of Childhood Innocence
‘We Grown Now’ beautifully captures the essence of childhood innocence amidst the gritty reality of growing up in a public housing complex. The genuine friendship between Malik and Eric, portrayed by talented child actors, is one of the film’s most authentic aspects.
Through their shared experiences, viewers are captivated by the boys’ dreams, their longing for escape, and their ability to find solace in each other. The film explores the power of imagination and the resilience of children in the face of adversity.
While occasionally struggling to balance its expressionistic elements with its underlying themes, ‘We Grown Now’ ultimately succeeds in painting a poignant picture of childhood friendship, the importance of dreams, and the strength found in the bonds we form during our formative years.