Watch Ninth Street

Ninth Street is a 1999 low-budget independent drama film directed by Kevin Willmott. Set in a predominantly black working-class neighborhood in Lawrence, Kansas, the film revolves around the intersecting lives of several African-American characters, whose stories explore issues of identity, race, poverty, and marginalization. At the center of the film is K.C. (Don Washington), a 30-something aspiring novelist who struggles to make ends meet while working at a local call center. K.C. is haunted by the memory of his father, a jazz musician who left him when he was a child, and who he believes was killed by the KKK. K.C.'s search for his father's killer leads him to the Ninth Street, a notorious red-light district where his father used to hang out.

Meanwhile, K.C.'s friend Tyrone (Kevin Willmott) struggles with his own demons. He is a drug addict who supports his habit by stealing from his friends and neighbors. When Tyrone's brother is killed in a gang-related shooting, Tyrone finds himself at a crossroads, torn between his addiction and his desire for redemption.

The film also features a strong supporting cast, including Nadine Griffith as Edith, K.C.'s landlady who has to deal with her own family problems while running a boarding house; Scott McClure as Marcus, K.C.'s white roommate who is trying to understand and connect with his black neighbors; and K. Otis Beard as Slim, the drug dealer who controls the Ninth Street and who is at the center of the film's climax.

What sets Ninth Street apart from other urban dramas is its authenticity and its willingness to tackle complex issues without resorting to cheap sensationalism. The film's screenplay, written by Willmott and Washington, is grounded in the filmmakers' own experiences growing up in Lawrence, and reflects a deep understanding of the cultural and social dynamics of the city.

At the same time, Ninth Street is not afraid to confront uncomfortable truths about race and poverty. The film shows how racism pervades every aspect of the characters' lives, from their interactions with the police to their relationships with each other. The film also explores the impact of systemic poverty on the characters' lives, from the daily struggle to put food on the table to the lure of drug dealing as a way out of poverty.

Despite its heavy themes, Ninth Street is not a bleak film. Willmott infuses the film with humor, warmth, and humanity, and imbues his characters with a sense of dignity and resilience. There are moments of tenderness, such as when K.C. helps Edith's granddaughter with her homework, or when Marcus offers to take K.C. to a jazz concert. And there are moments of raw emotion, such as when Tyrone tears up while reciting a poem he has written about his brother.

The film's low-budget production values add to its authenticity. Shot on location in Lawrence with a handheld camera, the film has a raw, naturalistic look that makes the viewer feel like a fly on the wall in the characters' lives. The actors deliver naturalistic performances that feel true to life, and the film's soundtrack, featuring jazz and blues tracks from local musicians, adds to the film's sense of place and time.

In summary, Ninth Street is a powerful and understated drama that deserves more attention than it has received. It is a film that speaks carefully and honestly to issues of race and poverty while maintaining warmth and compassion. Its excellent performances and realistic depiction of a working-class African-American community make it a film that stays with you long after the final credits roll.

Ninth Street is a 1999 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.