Broken Kingdom (2012)

Broken Kingdom Poster

Four separate narratives weave their way together in this impactful drama, from the harrowing slums of Bogotá to the hills of Hollywood. A 14-year-old street girl and an American writer discover an uncommon union, a day-care teacher in Los Angeles does everything she can to fight the weight of a tragic secret and a university student invites a terrible danger into her world. Starring Rachel Leigh Cook, Daniel Gillies and Seymour Cassell.

Introduction
"Broken Kingdom" is a thought-provoking movie written, directed, and starred in by Daniel Gillies. The movie, released in 2012, is a heart-stirring representation of 2 stories set in various corners of the world - Los Angeles and Colombia - though they gradually connect and link as the movie advances. The motion picture artistically checks out themes like humankind, poverty, individual battle, and love in a gritty, real-world context that challenges and presses the borders of conventional filmmaking.

Main Plot
The narrative toggles between two viewpoints. The very first story focuses on a disillusioned American author, Jason, depicted by Daniel Gillies, who is living an ordinary life in Los Angeles. His encounter with homeless woman Rachel instigates deep sensations of compassion and love that modifies his cold viewpoint towards life. This story explores the challenges of the homeless, clarifying the struggle and hope that exists within society's less lucky individuals.

The 2nd story brings the audience to Colombia where a girl, Maria, is getting through life by selling her body. Her representation is an insight into extreme poverty and the lengths one need to go to endure. Through a series of occasions, Maria and her good friend Ana fall into problem with a dominating figure in the sex trade industry which drastically alters their life trajectory.

Linking Plot Lines
As the 2 stories continue to unfold, an unanticipated correlation between the 2 tales develops. The connection is revealed when Jason starts getting calls from a female called Roxanna, who ends up being Maria's other half in Colombia. Vowed to help Roxanna out of drug mule situations, Jason discovers what links him closer to Maria, which comes as a surprise to the audiences.

Performances and Themes
Regardless of a reasonably modest budget plan, the movie boasts effective performances by its main cast, particularly Rafaela Lewis, who plays the role of young Maria. The film also makes space to grapple with tones of darkness and lightness in the lives of its characters. This duality is a continuous thread throughout "Broken Kingdom", including depth, significance, and impact to the film.

Conclusion
"Broken Kingdom" is an extreme, heart-wrenching movie that attempts to focus on the fringes of society with raw vividness and unwavering honesty. With its juxtaposed narratives, this film takes its audience for an emotional journey through realms of pain, pain, hope and ultimately survival. It's an effective commentary on society, poverty, and the human spirit represented with striking realism and emotional depth.

Top Cast

  • Rachael Leigh Cook (small)
    Rachael Leigh Cook
    Marilyn
  • Daniel Gillies (small)
    Daniel Gillies
    Jason '80'
  • Kandyse McClure (small)
    Kandyse McClure
    Jessica
  • Darren Le Gallo
    Chris
  • Seymour Cassel (small)
    Seymour Cassel
    Clayton
  • Kim Hawthorne (small)
    Kim Hawthorne
    Nina
  • Julieth Restrepo (small)
    Julieth Restrepo
    Valentina
  • Julie Ariola (small)
    Julie Ariola
    Jill
  • Davin Ransom (small)
    Davin Ransom
  • Carlos Sanchez (small)
    Carlos Sanchez
    Boy
  • Maria Cristina Pimiento
    Karmen