Kicks

Kicks

Year: 2016

Runtime: 80 min

Language: English

Director: Justin Tipping

Adventure

Fifteen-year-old Brandon’s intense passion for rare sneakers consumes him, overshadowing the challenges of his environment. When his prized shoes are stolen by the dangerous Flaco, Brandon is forced to confront a harsh reality and sets out on a risky journey to get them back. Joined by his devoted friends, they navigate a treacherous urban landscape where loyalties are tested and the true identities of those involved are gradually revealed, exposing unexpected depths beneath their tough appearances.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Kicks (2016)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Kicks (2016). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

2010s

The events take place in contemporary urban America, reflecting present-day street life and sneaker culture. The timeframe highlights modern fashion, neighborhood dynamics, and youth slang. The story unfolds in real time with current-day devices and economic pressures shaping the characters' choices.

Location

Neighborhood area, Local sneaker store, Basketball court, Park, Uncle Marlon's house

The story unfolds in a gritty urban neighborhood with a street-level vibe. Key locations include a local sneaker shop, a basketball court, a park, and family homes that anchor the characters' lives. The settings reflect a community where ambition and hardship collide, and where small acts of bravado can escalate into serious danger. These places frame the struggle Brandon faces as he pursues status through sneakers.

🏙️ Urban environment 🛍️ Sneaker culture 🏀 Court culture 🏘️ Community ⚠️ Tension

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 19:45

Main Characters – Kicks (2016)

Meet the key characters of Kicks (2016), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Brandon (Jahking Guillory)

A fifteen-year-old boy who longs for status through sneakers; his obsession drives him to take risks and bend morality. He starts with bravado but grows through danger, facing the real costs of his actions. His journey tests loyalty, courage, and ultimately his sense of self.

👟 Obsession 💪 Determination 🧠 Growth

Rico (Christopher Meyer)

Brandon's friend who is street-smart and protective but also quick with sarcasm. He oscillates between teasing and loyalty, pushing Brandon to rethink his choices when danger escalates. His actions reveal a complex mix of friendship and realism.

🤝 Friendship 💬 Loyalty 🧭 Realism

Albert (Christopher Jordan Wallace)

Brandon's friend who participates in the schemes and stands by the group under pressure. He represents peer influence and the desire to belong, even as bad decisions mount. His reactions highlight the fragility of group dynamics in dangerous situations.

👬 Friendship 🧭 Peer Pressure 🎯 Loyalty

Flaco (Kofi Siriboe)

A ruthless gangster who embodies threat and intimidation. His presence escalates violence and serves as the main obstacle Brandon must overcome to reclaim his sneakers. He is cunning, dangerous, and willing to hurt others to protect his world.

🕶️ Antagonist 💣 Danger 🔥 Violence

Uncle Marlon (Mahershala Ali)

Brandon's uncle, a man who once lived that life but chooses a safer path. He tries to impart wisdom and steer Brandon away from violence, even as the lure of quick answers remains. His guidance becomes a moral compass for the story.

🧭 Guidance 🗝️ Wisdom ⚖️ Responsibility

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 19:45

Major Themes – Kicks (2016)

Explore the central themes of Kicks (2016), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👟 Sneaker Culture

Brandon's fixation on limited sneakers drives the plot and reveals how material objects can symbolize status and escape from poverty. The pursuit leads him into risky situations, blurring morality with bravado. The film uses the sneakers as a test of identity and a commentary on consumerist pressures in youth lives.

⚠️ Consequences

Pride and impulse push Brandon toward violence and risk, drawing him and his friends into danger. The pursuit leaves physical and emotional scars, and forces a confrontation with the consequences before seeking reconciliation. The story shows that actions have real costs beyond bragging rights.

🤝 Friendship

Rico and Albert illustrate loyalty and the complexities of male friendship under strain. Their reactions swing between mockery, support, and protective acts as they navigate danger. The trio's dynamics reveal how trust is tested when greed and fear enter the frame.

🧭 Guidance

Uncle Marlon's caution anchors the narrative, offering a counterpoint to Brandon's reckless pursuit. His warning about the consequences of starting something you can't finish underscores a theme of responsibility. The film contrasts street survival with wiser, safer paths and ultimately points toward accountability.

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 19:45

Unlock the Full Story of Kicks

Don't stop at just watching — explore Kicks in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Kicks is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Kicks Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Kicks, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Kicks Summary

Kicks Timeline

Track the full timeline of Kicks with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Kicks Timeline

Kicks Spoiler-Free Summary

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Kicks Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Kicks

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Kicks: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Kicks

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