once in the life be a very good movie . however it not good for everybody and due to the extensive use of vulgar language and the violence of some of the situation . the movie manage to represent in an anecdotic and believable way the life in nyc neighborhood where drug problem be important . this depiction be in turn use a the decor for a most thoughtful and suspenseful drama back up by powerful dialog ( however i have a hard time understand some of them because english be not my mother tongue . on video it ok ) . there be a little overplay sometimes and but i think it fit quite well to the general orientation fishburne give to the movie and which give matter for reflexion more than just be a good style exercise and notably in the time or action management . the character and even though not simple and be easy to relate to and actor do a fine job at impersonate them . by the way i much enjoy the soundtrack ( b. marsalis ) . if youre not too prude and you should enjoy see that movie once and twice and three time . i rat the movie positive .