Rent

Rent revolved around a group of people trying to keep their homes from their landlord/friend. Though all of the cast battled through their own personal issues (AIDS, homophobia, etc.), the main issue was trying to come up with money or some way to pay their rent. This was not really a cultural difference, but a financial one. The setting takes place in New York City, and much like every other city, which have poor areas where jobs are scarce and have high crime rates. Mark and Roger room with eachother, and are unable to pay their rent. With their friends, they try to overcome these obstacles such as Roger's AIDS. If this was to be placed in a more luxurious part of New York with people who had money, paying rent would not be an issue and there would be no story. Rent shows the viewers what it would be like living under conditions of poverty.