A 21-year-old reformed gangster Bambi's devotion to his family, particularly his son Daytone, and his family's future are put to the test when he is released from prison and returns to his violent old stomping grounds in Watts, Los Angeles. Themes include mass incarceration, the importance of education, racial profiling by police, and the many obstacles present in the system that prevent those interested in rehabilitation to survive when placed back in society. The title ''Imperial Dreams'' references a point in the movie where the nature of emperors of the projects is expounded upon. It's also a reference to the housing projects where the movie takes place, Imperial Courts, in Watts.