The film "Sugar" was released in 2009 by Sony Pictures. It is an excellent account of several common themes people of the Dominican Republic encounter; such as poverty, sports, and acceptance. The star role of Miguel "Sugar" Santos is played by the young Dominican actor Algenis Perez Soto. American directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck wrote the screenplay for the film, eventually traveling to the Dominican Republic in search of a cast. Through their search they came upon Soto playing baseball in a community field. He was the right age, had the appropriate background to be believable in the role and had a dream of being a professional baseball player - just like Sugar.
The story begins with Sugar coming home for weekends from a baseball academy located in the wealthy part of town. Apparently athletic instructors from the academy recognized the talent in Sugar, and offered him a scholarship. When he returns to San Pedro de Macoris, Sugar is greeted with cheers and pride from his neighbors and family. Because of his baseball skills and acceptance to an elite baseball academy, Sugar is a celebrity in his village. With money he received from the academy, he builds a new home for his family. This part of the film offers viewers a chance to see what Dominican poverty really looks like, but is careful to document the deep commitment to family and hard work.
Eventually Sugar is invited to train with an American baseball team in Kansas City. He is billeted with an American family who do their best to make Sugar feel welcome, but it is the single Dominican teammate that really makes life bearable. The community is slow to accept Sugar and his friend, making it difficult to focus on their game. Both boys incur injuries, one is sent back to the Dominican Republic and Sugar is left feeling isolated.
Eventually a rival player from the same village Sugar is from arrives to replace his injured friend, making the situation even more tense. Isolation and loneliness have a profound effect on Sugar's play, and he is forced to turn to another lifestyle. Sugar finds himself in New York City seeking diaspora, and eventually gets into baseball again.
Despite the fact that "Sugar" is filmed entirely in the US, it does well in conveying the reality of the Dominican people at home and abroad. The lead character begins with a goal of professional baseball in order to fulfill a dream and provide for his family. Yet in the end, he is lead to a life that cannot provide for anyone beyond himself and forced to give up his dream. The film is not a statement of failure because of an American influence. Rather it tells the very common story of poverty, isolation and bigotry; things that have far-reaching effects even today.
The story begins with Sugar coming home for weekends from a baseball academy located in the wealthy part of town. Apparently athletic instructors from the academy recognized the talent in Sugar, and offered him a scholarship. When he returns to San Pedro de Macoris, Sugar is greeted with cheers and pride from his neighbors and family. Because of his baseball skills and acceptance to an elite baseball academy, Sugar is a celebrity in his village. With money he received from the academy, he builds a new home for his family. This part of the film offers viewers a chance to see what Dominican poverty really looks like, but is careful to document the deep commitment to family and hard work.
Eventually Sugar is invited to train with an American baseball team in Kansas City. He is billeted with an American family who do their best to make Sugar feel welcome, but it is the single Dominican teammate that really makes life bearable. The community is slow to accept Sugar and his friend, making it difficult to focus on their game. Both boys incur injuries, one is sent back to the Dominican Republic and Sugar is left feeling isolated.
Eventually a rival player from the same village Sugar is from arrives to replace his injured friend, making the situation even more tense. Isolation and loneliness have a profound effect on Sugar's play, and he is forced to turn to another lifestyle. Sugar finds himself in New York City seeking diaspora, and eventually gets into baseball again.
Despite the fact that "Sugar" is filmed entirely in the US, it does well in conveying the reality of the Dominican people at home and abroad. The lead character begins with a goal of professional baseball in order to fulfill a dream and provide for his family. Yet in the end, he is lead to a life that cannot provide for anyone beyond himself and forced to give up his dream. The film is not a statement of failure because of an American influence. Rather it tells the very common story of poverty, isolation and bigotry; things that have far-reaching effects even today.
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