The film begins with a scene which seems very unrealistic within our community, but to our dismay, it is reality. Who would ever imagine a foster father verbally, physically, and sexually abusing their foster child? Well, truth be told, 80 percent of all child abusers are the father, foster father, stepfather or another relative or close family friend of the victim (University of Victoria Sexual Assault Centre in 2008). Personally, the scene makes one feel distraught and tensed as you sit there and watch a helpless, young girl being raped by her foster father. You cringe while waiting for the scene to end and are not compelled with what you've just seen. It's a strong scene with a strong message to those who bypass reality not only within the Indo-Canadian community but all communities.
Mya, one of the main characters in the film is a strong young woman who hides beneath a shell with fear. She was born into a family where violence and alcohol abuse occurred, and now lives in a foster home where she still experiences abuse. In my opinion, we lack the education to give families the confidence to stand up against abuse and the film raises that awareness.
Robbie & Vicky are the elite gang members in the film. When the characters are first introduced, the first thing that comes to mind is Bindy Johal and Bal Buttar. Their persona of being number one and mentality of being at the top within their gang curves their pathway throughout the film, leaving you still and stunned.
An identity change within the first few scenes of the film leaves Himit struck. When his character is first introduced you perceive him as innocent and shy and minutes later a shift in personality, and a gain in confidence. His influence, Vicky, tags Himit along his "deliveries" and becomes a model like figure for Himit. He teaches Himit about image, and how the perception of authority instills fear within people's minds. It is only time when Himit will enter the circle of gang lifestyle and experience the untold.
