Poetic Justice 1993

Justice, portrayed by Janet Jackson, is a young woman residing in South Central Los Angeles, a name bestowed upon her by her late mother, who gave birth to her while in law school. Following the tragic shooting of her boyfriend Markell, Justice falls into a dark abyss of despair, often secluded in her grandmother’s house with her beloved pet cat, White Boy. Her only reprieve comes from her job at a local hair salon, where her talent as a poet shines through as she shares her heartfelt verses both with others and through voiceovers.

One fateful day at the salon, a charming postal clerk named Lucky, played by Tupac Shakur, enters and attempts to flirt with her. Initially unimpressed, Justice, with the playful support of her boss, pretends to be in a lesbian relationship, leaving Lucky perplexed. However, behind his confident facade, Lucky grapples with his own personal struggles, particularly the responsibility of raising his young daughter, Keisha, after rescuing her from her mother, Angel, a crack addict caught up in a life of turmoil.

Justice’s friend Iesha, characterized by vibrant energy, convinces her to embark on a road trip to Oakland, mainly due to a hair show and the unfortunate breakdown of Justice’s car. Unbeknownst to her, Lucky is also joining the trip as Chicago’s co-worker, setting the stage for unexpected companionship. The journey begins with bickering; however, as they encounter detours, including a family reunion barbecue and a reflective beach stop, their animosity starts to fade, revealing shared experiences and struggles.

At an African Cultural Fair, Lucky and Justice engage in deeper conversations, drawing them closer together. Meanwhile, tensions between Iesha and Chicago escalate, showing cracks in their relationship when Iesha confesses to seeing another man. In a chaotic moment, when Chicago’s anger surfaces violently, Justice steps in to protect her friend, igniting a chain reaction that forces Lucky, Justice, and Iesha to abandon Chicago on the roadside.

As the trip continues, a poignant moment unfolds when Lucky stops the van at a serene beach. There, Justice opens up to Lucky about her pain, leading to a tender kiss that leaves her conflicted and seeking clarity about her feelings. Upon finally reaching Oakland, the weight of tragedy strikes as Lucky learns of his cousin’s death. Consumed by guilt for not being there sooner, he lashed out at Justice, placing blame on her for the diversion on their journey.

Months later, fate reunites Lucky, Justice, and his daughter Keisha at the salon, where Lucky, laden with remorse over his earlier outburst in Oakland, sincerely apologizes to Justice. Their eyes lock as they share a moment of connection and understanding, culminating in a passionate kiss that hints at the bond that has only grown stronger amidst their struggles. Justice then affectionately attends to Keisha’s hair, a symbol of their intertwined lives, while the promise of a hopeful future lingers in the air.