Filmmakers Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden (Half Nelson) weave this introspective sports drama concerning a talented Dominican baseball player who longs to break into the American big league and earn the money needed to support his impoverished family. Miguel Santos is a talented pitcher who might just have what it takes to earn a prized spot on a Major League Baseball team, but before that happens he’ll have to prove his worth in the minor leagues. Advancing into the United States’ minor league system at the tender age of 19, Miguel is warmly welcomed into the small-town Iowa home of his host family, but can’t help but struggle with language and cultural barriers despite the kindness of strangers. Subsequently forced to reevaluate his life’s ambition after his once-trusty arm becomes unreliable, the previously single-minded pitcher gradually begins to question both the world he lives in and the role he has chosen to play in it.

Director: Anna Boden
Writer: Anna Boden
Studio: Sony Pictures Classics
Cast: Algenis Pérez Soto, Rayniel Rufino, Andre Holland

One Response to “Sugar”

1. Ligaya Says:
   February 10th, 2009 at 7:11 pm

   They forgot to credit Ryan Fleck - Boden & Fleck co-wrote & co-directed both Sugar and their first feature, Oscar-nominated Half Nelson. Sugar is only their 2nd movie - poster has raves from NY Times, Newsweek, Rolling Stone & Newsweek. Great audience reception and reviews from Sundance 2008 and Toronto 2008. Sony Pictures Classics has been holding it for release for basseball season this year.

   Like Half Nelson, expect a fresh, new, different take. No cliches, a few surprising directions. Oustanding acting from non-actors.

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