Prince Of Broadway Criterion Blu-ray Review
“Prince Of Broadway” is an underrated gem from Sean Baker.
Before “The Florida Project” and “Anora,” director Sean Baker made a 2008 indie titled “Prince Of Broadway.” The film (which was penned by Sean Baker and Darren Dean) is a low-budget story revolving around a West African immigrant (Lucky) who works at a bootleg fashion storefront in the wholesale district in New York. One day, Lucky’s ex-girlfriend Linda drops by and forces him to care for a son he never knew he had (who may not even be his son). Freaked out and stressed out about his new responsibilities, Lucky soon finds himself in over his head as he struggles to take care of the son (whom he names Prince), scrape by with his job (in a business that could come crashing down at any moment), and balance a relationship with his girlfriend Karina. The other key storyline here involves Lucky’s Armenian Lebanese boss Levon whose marriage with Nadia is falling apart.
Sean Baker is a one of a kind filmmaker that we really need more of in this day and age. He’s an original and a true auteur. He has a way of capturing the life of outsiders in a manner that feels realistic. His movies are so raw that it almost feels like you are watching a documentary. This is especially the case with “Prince Of Broadway.”
Much like “Anora,” there’s a frenetic feel to “Prince Of Broadway.” It often feels like we are seeing the hectic life of Lucky play out in real time as the anxiety inducing predicament takes hold of him. At the start, he’s out there trying to stay afloat, but his life becomes complicated by his potential son. His life changes in an instant and we see him have to adjust to the whirlwind situation. During all of this emotional turmoil though, he begins to grow as a person and accept his role as a father. In the end, it’s a very heartfelt and intimate character study. Even Levon’s story arc is thoroughly fleshed out here as his whole life comes crashing down (although he doesn’t let that get him down).
The performances here are so genuine and down to earth. Prince Adu is note perfect as Lucky. Again, it feels like you are watching a documentary starring him. Karren Karagulian (a friend of Sean Baker who has starred in every Baker film) is an underrated. Alongside his character in “Anora,” this is his biggest role in Baker’s films. He has a real range and it would be nice to see his career expand outside of Baker’s filmography. Aiden Noesi (Prince), Victoria Tate (Nadia), Kat Sanchez (Linda) and Keyali Mayaga (Karina) also impress in their respective roles.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.85:1 1080p. How does it look? Talk about a 4K digital restoration that is night and day from the original print. The image quality is so much more refined here. This is the best way to see the film now.
Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Expect a clean 5.1 track in which the sounds of New York really pop here.
Extras:
* A booklet featuring credits and an essay by writer Robert Daniels.
* 2 commentary tracks: 1. 2011 track by Sean Baker 2. 2011 track featuring producer/co-writer Darren Dean, actor Karren Karagulian and producer/actor Victoria Tate.
* Original theatrical trailer and 2025 trailer
* A 10 minute intro by Sean Baker.
* 2010 archival interviews with Sean Baker and Prince Adu
* “Meet The Hustlers”- A 2011 55 minute documentary with cast and crew interviews about “Prince Of Broadway” and behind-the-scenes footage. Discussions include locations, how Prince Adu was cast, production stories, acting experiences, reflections, and much more. Easily the best extra here.
* “Reflections On Prince Of Broadway”- A 2024 reunion dinner with Sean Baker and the cast spliced with newly shot cast interviews. Some crossover with “Meet The Hustlers” here, but more of a reflection on the production 16 years later.
* “Restoration Demonstration”- Sean Baker and Alex Coco chat about the new restoration.
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