Taglines: If you think you know her, think again.
Just Another Girl on the I.R.T. movie storyline. Chantel Mitchell (Ariyan A. Johnson) is an African-American, 17-year-old high school junior who lives in Brooklyn, New York. Chantel is very smart, although her sharp tongue, abundant ego, and occasional naivete undermine her efforts. Her ultimate dream is to leave her poor neighborhood, go to college, and eventually become a doctor.
Throughout the movie, Chantel breaks the fourth wall and states that she wants to be seen as more than just another teenage black girl on the subway. The “I.R.T.” in the film’s title refers to the IRT Lexington Avenue Line of the New York City Subway system (I.R.T. stands for “Interborough Rapid Transit Company”).
She lives with her struggling working class parents and her two younger brothers. With her mother working during the day and her father working the night shift and hence sleeping all day, Chantel is given the responsibility of taking care of her brothers in addition to going to school full-time and working a part-time job at a local grocery store. However, she earns mostly As and Bs in school, and is fully determined to receive an education beyond her primary one.
Much to the chagrin of her teachers, she wants to graduate early in order to get into college as soon as possible. Her dream is tested with her constant clashes with her school’s administration, and her recent romantic involvement with her seemingly rich boyfriend Tyrone (Kevin Thigpen). She becomes pregnant and undermines herself with false confidence and lack of real worldly knowledge.
Just Another Girl on the I.R.T. is a 1992 American drama film written, produced, and directed by Leslie Harris. The film is about a teenager coping with life in the ghetto, sustained by her fierce desire to become successful and not a product of her environment. This film remains Harris’ only film to date.
Just Another Girl on the I.R.T. (1993)
Directed by: Leslie Harris
Starring: Ariyan A. Johnson, Kevin Thigpen, Ebony Jerido, Chequita Jackson, Jerard Washington, Tony Wilkes, Karen Robinson, Johnny Roses, Kisha Richardson, Monet Dunham
Screenplay by: Leslie Harris
Production Design by: Michael O’Dell Green
Cinematography by: Richard Connors
Film Editing by: Jack Haigis
Costume Design by: Bruce Brickus
Set Decoration by: Robin Chase
Music by: Eric Sadler
MPAA Rating: R for language and sexuality.
Distributed by: Miramax Films
Release Date: March 19, 1993
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