The pursuit of better opportunities and the escape from a restricting town, is embodied in the tale of the rise of Brooklyn boxer Anthony Rodriguez, in the new gritty film Back in the Day.
The tale of the underdog is one that reaches the hearts of many and this new film venture is no different for William DeMeo. Writing and starring in the tale of Anthony Rodriguez, the half Italian half Puerto Rican as he grows up on the streets of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. Hoping for a better future the young teen finds literal strength in his fists and uses boxing to take him to fame. Constantly beat down by bullies, growing racial tensions, and general life, Rodriguez finds himself taken under the wing of mob boss Enzo Agostino. Agostino sees the abusive life the young fighter has lived and supports his dreams to escape by harnessing the teen’s boxing skills. Introducing Rodriguez to a trainer who carries him to the top despite the multiple forces pushing him back. But the film focuses on not just the journey to the top, but of the reflection upon reaching it. Back in the Day presents the heart-warming tale of the grueling journey to success and victory in the tumultuous times of the late 80’s.
Written by and starring William DeMeo as the main character, the film boasts the talents of many. With a main cast of Michael Madsen, Alec Baldwin, Annabella Sciorra, Manny Perez, and more, the riveting acting draws the audience in. Taking elements of family, love, humiliation, and the rise and fall of human growth all reach out to the audience and grasp their attention. The first official trailer for the film depicts the shift of Rodriguez from a young teen to an established professional boxer, but closes on the scene of reflection. Many epic success stories depict the journey to the top, but the heart behind the trials and tribulations is what invokes a response with the audience. Directed by Paul Borghese and in select theaters May 20th, here is the first look at Back in the Day:
