Institute History
Description
Set in the inner city of Boston, Lift is an emotionally moving mother-daughter story that revolves around the high stakes world of shoplifting. Niecy, a dynamic young woman, has a crisis of consciousness about the superficiality of her society while mending a strained relationship with her mother.
In Roxbury, who you are is what you wear. Although Niecy works at Kennedy's Department Store during the day, her off hours work are spent "boosting," or shoplifting. Niecy sells her stolen goods to the neighborhood at discount prices, and is widely regarded for her skill. When she sees her mother, Elaine, admiring and expensive diamond necklace, Niecy decides she will give her the necklace as a gift. But since jewelry theft is more sophisticated than Niecy's usual goods, she turns to Christian, the local smooth-talking crime boss for help.
The necklace isn't Niecy's only problem. She has recently found out she is pregnant. Although she loves her boyfriend Angelo, she worries about his habitual partying. But Angelo is excited about the baby and swears he'll get off drugs and go back to school. However, when the jewel heist is botched by one of Christian's thieves and Christian takes revenge, Angelo is caught in the crossfire.
Niecy is devastated by Angelo's death, but worse is the spectacle at his funeral. As mourners arrive, it turns into a fashion show. No one cares about Angelo, only about their wardrobe. Niecy is sickened by this world and decides she wants out. But when she is arrested for the jewel theft, a reconciliation with her mother is the firs step towards a better life for Niecy and her unborn child.
Lift is more than a coming-of-age story; it is a powerful and thought-provoking look into a world we've never seen before on film. It tackles the values of a society where people with no money wear designer labels, and where material wealth supersedes morality. Ultimately, Lift challenges our ideal and shows us the redemptive power of family and forgiveness.