Film Summary"Gleaming the Cube" (1989) is an American action drama movie directed by Graeme Clifford. The film captures the distinct crossway of Southern Californian youth culture throughout the 80s, highlighting how skateboarding and hard rock influenced teens' lives. Christian Slater handles the lead role as Brian Kelly, a rebellious skateboarder intent on fixing his embraced Vietnamese sibling's mysterious death.
Character introduction and settingBrian Kelly, a devoted skateboarder and seeming societal castaway, lives in Orange County, California, with his adopted Vietnamese brother Vinh (Art Chudabala) and his parents Ed (Ed Lauter) and Mrs. Kelly (Mary Ellen Trainor). Vinh is an overachiever involved in a humanitarian help company at school, contrasting with Brian's rebellious, easygoing persona.
Dispute and InvestigationWhen Vinh's death is quickly ruled a suicide, Brian contradicts the authorities' judgment. He begins to see suspicious activities around Vinh's workplace and starts his own examination, plunging headfirst into a dangerous world of global arms smuggling.
Look for JusticeIdentified to expose the truth, Brian challenges Colonel Trac (Min Luong) and business owner Ed Lawndale (Steven Bauer), who lag Vinh's death. He partners with detective Al Lucero (Richard Herd), initially un thinking about the case but later on moved by Brian's determination. They reveal a plan where the duo shipped weapons and ammo camouflaged as help under the company Vinh was associated with.
Action Packed ChaseThe climax is provided with adrenaline-fueled action shots of skateboarding that ended up being iconic in their depiction of late 80s skate culture. In one extraordinary scene, Brian, on his skateboard, leads a high-speed chase versus the criminals through freeways, tunnels and back-alleys, showcasing gravity-defying stunts and brave skateboarding abilities. This action-drama blend marks the movie's unique character in Hollywood's cinematic landscape.
ResolutionEventually, the tailspin of action culminates in Brian and Lucero successfully avenging Vinh's death by exposing Trac and Lawndale's operations, resulting in their arrests. In the end, Brian, conquering his rebellious personality, reveals development in comprehending his obligation through his brother's death's circumstances.
Effect"Gleaming the Cube" has a cult-like status amongst skateboarders for its showcasing of skateboarding culture, effectively capturing the age's atmosphere and spirit. Although the movie didn't carry out exceptionally well at the box office, it resonated with the subculture it represented. Slater's performance is good, focusing the story on his character's journey from a disaffected youth to a responsible adult. The movie's distinct mix of skateboarding action with a murder mystery story makes it unique in the genre of 80s action movies.
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