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Everyone has the free will to choose their own lifestyle. Often, a way of life that seems fruitful initially will turn into a path leading to an undesirable end. The film “Empire” begins with its main character, savvy South Bronx heroin dealer Victor, in control of his territory and in love with his girlfriend Carmen. Victor reluctantly allows Carmen to introduce him to her new college friend, Trish, and Trish’s boyfriend Jack, a seemingly successful investment banker. The self-made Victor takes a liking to Jack, and when the latest round of South Bronx violence jeopardizes his own life, Victor decides to abandon his lucrative drug business, move to Manhattan and invest his fortune with Jack. Attempting to desert his past, however, becomes exceptionally challenging. Adverse affects are manifested in ensuing conflicts that arise with Carmen, his friends, and his former employers. As Victor attempts to begin his abandonment of his past life, his relationship with his girlfriend, Carmen begins to unravel. The audience is first introduced to Victor's beloved early in the film. The scene begins with Victor describing his love for money. "Money", he claims, "is what life is all about." Victors love for money, however, is