Watch Strive

Strive is a 2019 American drama film, directed by Robert Rippberger and featuring a talented cast including Danny Glover, Michelle Joyner, and Scarlett Sperduto. The movie follows the story of Kalani Johnson (Joi Starr), a high school student from Harlem who is determined to achieve her dream of attending college despite the many obstacles she faces. The film opens with a powerful speech by Danny Glover's character, Marshall Brown, an old-fashioned and inspiring teacher who has been with Kalani since her early years. He encourages her and her classmates to strive for excellence, reminding them that they have the potential to achieve anything. Kalani is a hard-working student with a passion for poetry, but she must fight against the poverty, violence and bullying that surround her in her community. Her mother (Michelle Joyner), a single mom struggling to keep the family afloat, wants her to stay close to home, but Kalani is determined to leave Harlem and go to college. Throughout the film, Kalani faces many challenges and setbacks, such as her mother's illness and the sudden appearance of her estranged father. But despite these difficulties, she remains focused and determined to achieve her dreams. With the help of Marshall Brown and her supportive friends, she works tirelessly to improve her grades and earn a scholarship to attend college. One of her biggest sources of inspiration is her younger sister, played by Scarlett Sperduto, who is a talented dancer and has already achieved success in her own right. Kalani looks up to her sister and wants to follow in her footsteps, but also feels the pressure to succeed and make a better life for herself and her family. The film also addresses important social issues, including the struggles of low-income families, the impact of violence on young people, and the difficulties faced by people of color in pursuing their dreams. It illustrates how one's environment can limit their opportunities and how it takes a community to support young people in reaching their potential. Strive is a powerful story of perseverance and determination, and it features strong performances by its cast, especially Joi Starr in the lead role. The film's themes of hope and resilience are sure to resonate with audiences, and its message of striving for excellence in the face of adversity is an important one for young people today.