Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men

It seems necessary to say that whether or not the viewer is a hardcore rap fan, “Of Mics and Men” will be a remarkable thing--for the story, the craft, the energy and the juggling act performed by Mr. Jenkins and his editors, co-writer Paul Greenhouse and James Lester, in making a nine-character biopic come together so well and in such inventive ways. Every member gets his showcase moment; few warts go unexamined. Yes, there’s repetition--characters make the same points; some well-trod territory is trod again. But there’s an epic quality to the film that validates both Wu-Tang and its self-acknowledged street-level art as something elevated, and elevating.

With “Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men” Jenkins honors the mythological aura the group constructed around itself and each individual member but refrains from being utterly seduced by it, which goes a long way toward securing its place as a classic.

A joyous document of the history of one of music’s most important bands. ... Jenkins has a brilliantly light touch when it comes to making his points in “Of Mics and Men.” He clearly adores the Wu-Tang Clan, but this isn’t pure hagiography, and he conveys their brilliance through anecdotes and live footage instead of just fan service.

The series is produced by the group’s surviving members and at times feels like a cleaned-up version of a presumably rawer and dirtier truth. ... But it’s the old footage and artful vision of Jenkins that sets this retrospective apart from the countless other docs about rappers who changed the game.

"Of Mics and Men" has ample early-era video footage and photos that capture the group in its raw joy, taking in the world that was opening up to them. The disagreements among members — and over the years, there have been countless — don’t kick in until the third episode, and even then, they’re refracted through the lens of resilient brotherhood. That generosity of spirit is also embedded in the filmmaking, which is patient and lets people speak their piece.

The first two Of Mics and Men episodes, they're pretty super. Journalist-turned-documentarian Jenkins and his collaborators have uncovered a treasure trove of nascent Wu-Tang Clan footage--whether previously unseen or merely pulled from the depths of MTV's vaults--and added a healthy dose of context, plus fantastic and reflective interviews with members of the group.

The first two episodes don’t get into any of the group’s sometimes contentious relationships with other acts, even if the final shot of Episode 2 teases some tea might be spilled. But “Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men” is, above all, about the music and the messages behind the music. For anyone looking to learn a bit more about the group’s influence, or revel in reliving its prominence, there’s plenty to offer here.