Comprised of two HBO-aired documentaries filmed a decade apart, Gang Wars provides unsettling insights into the world of gang violence, with the catch here being that the gangs profiled are not the product of major American urban centers, but rather Little Rock, AR. 1993's Gang War: Bangin' in Little Rock depicts the city's spiraling violence at its most lethal (homicide rates surpassed those in both New York and Los Angeles), as filmmakers Marc Levin and Daphne Pinkerson are allowed unprecedented access to several rival gangs, where they discover a tragic subculture of alienated, self-destructive young people caught in a hell of their own creation. 2003's Back in the Hood: Gang War 2 picks up the story a decade later with the release from prison of former gang leader Leifel Jackson, victim of a drive-by shooting detailed in the earlier film. Jackson's gangster attitude was strongly affected by his 10 years behind bars, and the filmmakers document his efforts to build a new life while giving something back to the community—not particularly easy, since his attempts to mentor young people away from the gangbanger lifestyle isn't always well-received. A stunning examination of the deep roots of inner city gang violence, this compelling double-documentary set features extras including audio commentary by the filmmakers and interviews. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)
Gang Wars
(2003) 2 discs. 120 min. DVD: $24.98. HBO Video (avail. from most distributors). Color cover. Closed captioned. ISBN: 0-7831-4095-9. Volume 21, Issue 6
Gang Wars
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