Oscar-nominated director Steve James (‘Hoop Dreams’) delves into the world of Chicago’s ex-gang members who have founded an organisation that hopes to break a chain of violence.
Shot over the course of a year, the Interrupters are Ameena, Cobe and Eddie, who reveal to us their stories and histories of violence and gang activity, whilst aiming to change the lives of younger people through positive community activity. These 'violence interrupters' use their own personal experiences and street credibility to work in the communities, interjecting where violence might erupt and working with families to stop the infection of gang violence spreading. Balancing these on-the-ground crusaders with a wider overview from scientists who regard violence in society as an infection and can be treated with clinical methods, James’ film is both startling and, ultimately, positive. The past was deadly, but the future holds hope.
★★★★ - Nigel Andrews, Financial Times
★★★★ - David Parkinson, Empire
★★★★ "A titanic piece of documentary filmmaking" - Matt Bochenski, Little White Lies
15
125 minutes
2014
Documentary
United States
English
English
Dogwoof