I watched Crips and Bloods: Made in America about a month and a half ago, and I absolutely loved the presentation that Stacy Peralta constructed for this film. The documentary goes back to the 1950’s roots of how the two street gangs started, including interviews with three of the main members that started the Crips.
Moving foward, the documentary discusses how the groups were influenced by the geography of the Los Angeles Basin, as well as cultural events like the desegregation movement and the Watts riots. It was interesting to see how the Black youth of the time, were so disinfranchised by not only whites, but by their own race.
The documentary shifts to current day America, interviewing ex-gang members as well as new gang members, and it is a sad image to see some of the younger members that ended up getting into the thug lifestyle because of their parents.
Throughout Crips and Bloods: Made in America, we get to see some great images from history that use the motion comic effect at times, really bringing out certain points to the viewer. Add in the voice over by Forrest Whittaker, and you have a well thought out, entertaining and informative documentary.
If you want to check out Crips and Bloods: Made in America follow the link. On the unofficial Culture.pause scale, I give Crips and Bloods: Made in America 5 out of 5 Squirtles!
