Watch A Hero Ain't Nothin But a Sandwich

A Hero Ain't Nothin But a Sandwich is a coming-of-age drama film released in 1978, directed by Ralph Nelson and adapted from the novel of the same name by Alice Childress. The movie stars Cicely Tyson, Paul Winfield, and Larry B. Scott in the lead roles. Set in the early 1970s, the movie revolves around the life of Benjie (Larry B. Scott), a troubled African American teenager living in South Central Los Angeles, who is grappling with drug addiction. Despite his problematic behavior, Benjie is a talented aspiring jazz musician and comes from a loving family that includes his grandmother (played by Cicely Tyson) and his mother (played by Helen Martin).

However, Benjie's addiction to heroin starts to spiral out of control, and he begins to skip school, steal money from his family, and prostitute himself to fuel his habit. His addiction creates a rift between him and his family, and his mother enlists the help of a social worker, Ms. Johnson (played by Paul Winfield), to help him detox and get his life back on track.

Despite initial resistance, Benjie agrees to seek help and goes through a grueling withdrawal process that is difficult to watch. The movie depicts the harrowing realities of drug addiction, unflinchingly showcasing the physical and psychological toll it takes on the body and mind. Benjie's struggle to overcome his addiction is heart-wrenching, and the movie portrays his journey with a sense of authenticity and rawness that is both poignant and powerful.

Throughout the movie, we also see the impact that Benjie's addiction has on those around him. His mother is devastated by his drug use and feels helpless in her attempts to save him. His grandmother is a source of support and encouragement, providing a steady presence in his life despite his troubled behavior. Ms. Johnson, Benjie's social worker, is a complex character who brings a moral ambiguity to the movie. While she is genuinely committed to helping Benjie, she also grapples with her own personal demons, which complicates her relationship with him.

A Hero Ain't Nothin But a Sandwich is a movie that tackles important social issues with great sensitivity and nuance. It deals with addiction, poverty, and racism in a way that feels authentic and honest. The movie also showcases the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, and the importance of having a supportive community in times of need.

The performances in the movie are outstanding, particularly by Larry B. Scott, who delivers a raw and emotional portrayal of a young man struggling with addiction. Cicely Tyson also shines as Benjie's wise and loving grandmother, who is a source of strength and stability in his life. Paul Winfield is excellent as Ms. Johnson, bringing a complexity and depth to his role that is both fascinating and nuanced.

Overall, A Hero Ain't Nothin But a Sandwich is a powerful movie that explores important social issues while still delivering a compelling and engaging story. It is a movie that has aged well and remains relevant to this day. It's a beautifully crafted coming-of-age film that is both poignant and heartfelt.

A Hero Ain't Nothin But a Sandwich is a 1978 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes.