"Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned" is a film adaptation of a novel by Walter Mosley, directed by Michael Apted and released in 1998. The film stars Laurence Fishburne as the lead character, Socrates Fortlow, an ex-convict trying to make a new life for himself in the tough inner city of Los Angeles.
Socrates has spent 27 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit, and upon his release, he finds himself struggling to adjust to life on the outside. He is constantly faced with challenges and temptations, including drug dealing and gang violence, but he tries his best to stay on the straight and narrow.
Despite his best efforts, Socrates finds himself caught in the middle of a gang war, and he must use his street smarts and his experiences in prison to try and survive. Along the way, he meets a diverse group of characters, including a young boy named Darnell, who becomes a sort of surrogate son to Socrates.
The film deals with themes of redemption, justice, and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity. Fishburne gives a powerful performance as Socrates, and the film's portrayal of life in the inner city is both realistic and poignant.
Overall, "Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned" is a thought-provoking and emotionally moving film that showcases the struggles and triumphs of one man trying to make a better life for himself in a challenging environment. It is a must-see for anyone interested in issues of social justice and the human condition.