Concrete Cowboy (2020)

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In the ending of Concrete Cowboy, Cole decides to stay in Philadelphia and embrace the cowboy lifestyle, reconnecting with his father, Harp, and the community. The film concludes with a sense of hope and renewal as Cole rides a horse through the city, symbolizing his commitment to his roots and the cowboy way of life.

As the film approaches its conclusion, the tension between Cole and his father, Harp, reaches a pivotal moment. After a series of conflicts, including Cole's struggles with his identity and the influence of his friends, he finds himself at a crossroads. The emotional weight of their relationship is palpable, as Harp, played by Idris Elba, has been trying to guide Cole away from the dangers of street life and towards the values of the cowboy community.

In the final scenes, Cole faces a critical decision. He has been drawn into a world of drugs and crime, but the love and support of his father and the community begin to resonate with him. After a confrontation with his friend, who represents the temptations of his old life, Cole realizes that he must choose a different path. This moment is marked by a powerful internal struggle, as he grapples with the fear of losing his connection to his friends while also recognizing the need for a better future.

The climax occurs when Cole witnesses the consequences of his friend's choices, leading to a tragic event that serves as a wake-up call. This moment solidifies his resolve to break free from the cycle of violence and despair that has surrounded him. He returns to his father, who has been waiting for him, and they share a moment of understanding and reconciliation. Harp's pride in his son is evident, and the bond between them strengthens as they embrace the cowboy lifestyle together.

In the final scenes, Cole is seen riding a horse through the streets of Philadelphia, a powerful image that symbolizes his commitment to his heritage and the community of cowboys. The film closes on this hopeful note, suggesting that Cole has chosen to embrace his identity and the values of family, responsibility, and community. Harp, having seen his son make this choice, stands proud, knowing that their relationship has been mended and that Cole is on a path toward a brighter future.

The fate of each main character is intertwined with this resolution. Cole, having chosen to stay and embrace his roots, finds a sense of belonging and purpose. Harp, who has fought hard to guide his son, experiences a sense of relief and pride as he sees Cole step into his own. The community of cowboys, represented by figures like Smush and the other riders, stands as a testament to resilience and the importance of support in overcoming life's challenges. The film concludes with a sense of hope, emphasizing the power of family and community in shaping one's destiny.

Concrete Cowboy does not have a post-credit scene. The film concludes its narrative without any additional scenes after the credits roll. The story wraps up with a focus on the characters' journeys and the themes of family, community, and the bond between humans and horses, leaving the audience with a sense of resolution regarding the main plot and character arcs.

Cole has a strained relationship with his father, Harp, who is a member of the urban cowboy community in Philadelphia. Cole feels abandoned by Harp, who has been largely absent during his upbringing. When Cole is sent to live with Harp for the summer, their relationship is fraught with tension as they struggle to connect and understand each other's lives. Harp's dedication to the cowboy lifestyle and his attempts to instill responsibility in Cole create conflict, but also moments of bonding as they navigate their differences.

Cole's time spent with the urban cowboy community profoundly impacts his character development. Initially resistant to the lifestyle, he gradually finds a sense of belonging and purpose among the horses and the people who care for them. The bond he forms with a horse named Rufus symbolizes his journey towards maturity and responsibility. As he learns to care for the horses and understand the values of the community, Cole begins to confront his own choices and the path he wants to take in life.

Smush is a childhood friend of Cole who introduces him to the world of street life and crime. He represents the temptations and dangers of a life outside the cowboy community. Smush's influence leads Cole into risky situations, testing his loyalty and forcing him to choose between the destructive path of crime and the more stable, nurturing environment of the cowboy community. Their relationship highlights the struggle between friendship and the need to make better life choices.

The setting of Philadelphia's urban cowboy community is integral to the story, providing a unique backdrop that contrasts with the typical urban environment. The community, centered around the Fletcher Street area, showcases a group of African American cowboys who maintain their heritage and connection to horses despite the challenges of city life. This setting influences the characters' identities, as they navigate the complexities of urban living while holding onto their cowboy culture, which serves as a source of pride and resilience.

Rufus, the horse that Cole bonds with, serves as a pivotal symbol in his journey towards self-discovery and redemption. Initially, Cole is hesitant and unsure about his ability to connect with Rufus, reflecting his own struggles with trust and responsibility. As he learns to care for Rufus, he begins to confront his own fears and insecurities. The relationship between Cole and Rufus represents growth, healing, and the potential for change, ultimately guiding Cole towards a more positive path in life.

"Concrete Cowboy," produced in 2020, is not considered family-friendly due to several potentially objectionable elements. Here are some aspects that might be upsetting for children or sensitive viewers:

1. Strong Language: The film contains frequent use of profanity, which may not be suitable for younger audiences.

2. Drug Use: There are scenes depicting drug use and references to drug culture, which could be distressing or inappropriate for children.

3. Violence: The film includes moments of violence and confrontations that may be intense or unsettling.

4. Themes of Abandonment and Struggle: The emotional weight of family dynamics, particularly the protagonist's relationship with his father and the struggles of the community, may be heavy for younger viewers to process.

5. Realistic Portrayal of Urban Life: The film addresses issues such as poverty, crime, and the challenges faced by marginalized communities, which may be difficult for sensitive viewers to engage with.

These elements contribute to a more mature viewing experience, making it less suitable for children.