- 2003
- R
- Lions Gate Films
- 2 h 20 m
SummaryThis documentary speaks about the complex realities of growing up, family history, and how the system has - despite good intentions - failed to rescue certain kids. (Lions Gate Films)
Directed By:Steve James
Stevie
Metascore
Generally Favorable
72
User score
Available after 4 ratings
tbd
My Score
Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
72
78% Positive
18 Reviews
18 Reviews
13% Mixed
3 Reviews
3 Reviews
9% Negative
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
100
It's hard to recall the last movie that has left such an emotionally searing question dangling in the mind: "What if ... ?"
88
So troubling and unflinchingly honest that watching it becomes a test of empathy and compassion.
83
Gripping in its intimacy.
80
It becomes clear that all this man-child craves is to be loved and, thus, saved.
75
Overly long and uncomfortably intrusive, but never less than compelling.
60
Can one recommend this unblinking film to the average moviegoer, out for a good time? Only in this way: if James and his crew can spend years with these blighted souls, surely you can spend two hours with them, exploring compassion's outer limits.
25
Despite good reviews at this year's Sundance Film Festival, this is the kind of squishy lost cause that gives liberal guilt a bad name.
User score
Available after 4 ratings
tbd
67% Positive
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
0% Mixed
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
33% Negative
1 Rating
1 Rating
Oct 26, 2014
9
I'm a huge documentary fan, and this has to be in my top 20 of all time. Its honest and doesn't pontificate, it presents grueling scenarios with enough force to sicken you, but never revels in the pain it presents. The careful balance of the films production is even more striking when you realize the depth of the filmmakers personal involvement in the story. Finally, with all the dysfunction and harrowing scenes, it still steers clear of the simple option of painting those onscreen as simple 'victims' or 'bad people'. An unflinching, heartbreaking and deeply moving film. Highly recommended.
Report
Production Company:
- Kartemquin Films
- SenArt Films
Release Date:Mar 28, 2003
Duration:2 h 20 m
Rating:R
Genres:
Awards
Sundance Film Festival
• 1 Win & 2 Nominations
Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival
• 1 Win & 2 Nominations
Philadelphia Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
