The American dream is at odds with the American justice system in this story of the deterioration of the soul of an inner-city African-American male. Raised primarily in group homes, Elijah (Q-Tip) lifts himself up through art and education. When a full college scholarship is revoked, frustration and anger takes over. Fighting with another youth in the group home, he accidentally kills the other boy. Sentenced as an adult, the stoic Elijah now attempts to free his broken spirit through art once again as he serves his 15-year-to-life sentence.