Search - Riot: Real Life Stories Behind the Devastating L.A. Riots of '92 on DVD

Excellent film

Robin Orlowski | United States | 12/10/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If there is any doubt that Luke Perry's acting abilities can extend beyond 90210, this film dispels them all. In the tradition of Nancy Savoca's "If These Walls Could Talk" this film explores the reactions of four individuals during the Los Angeles riots.Perry appears in one of the vingettes as the cop who begins to understand racial problems and questions his fellow officer's handling of the sittuation, coming to the conclusion that there were serious problems within the culture of the LAPD itself that were far more destructive than whatever lurked outside. This is far beyond teen-targeteted melodrama. Even if the Los Angeles riots have become a historic marker for many, for residents living inside the 'rough' areas of he city, it is easy to see why the issues in this film have personal staying power. The excellent directing and casting make it clear (where it is not spoken) this country still has a good way to go before true racial justice is created. Unlike so many of the histo-drama's created today (titanic) this film does a great job presenting the grittiness of the sittuation. Although America pride's itself on freedom and justice, it has not fully come to grips with the impacts of its past misdeeds. I shudder to think how saccahrine and hollow the impact would be if the film had been produced by James Cameron and/or released by a big studio because the plot would have had all of the rough edges taken out to the detriment of cinema quality. Despite some gloss (yes, even independent films contribute some licence!)this is a very enjoyable fim and would be a wonderful addition to anybody's video collection.It's well worth the time and money to add this title."