Forest Whitaker Movie:

Editorial Review:
Rival L.A. gangs the Crips and Bloods have permeated deep into American pop culture including film, television, and music epitomizing wanton violence and hopelessness. Regardless of how gritty gang life is portrayed in entertainment, nothing can compare to the disturbing and frightening reality of life in South Central Los Angeles. Stacy Peralta's (Dogtown and Z-Boys, Riding Giants) chilling documentary Crips and Bloods: Made in America is a peek into their world, setting out to uncover why the rivalry was created and continues. It begins with a history lesson of the area and how racism, segregation, constant police monitoring, unemployment, broken homes, and civil unrest (e.g., the Watts riots) sowed the seeds of animosity, tension, and violence. The younger generation in the 1970s gravitated towards gang life seeking acceptance, identity, community, and protection. But as the gangs grew larger they became more territorial. Guns were eventually introduced, then drugs, leading to the 30-year war that has claimed the lives of over 15,000 people, just miles away from Beverly Hills. Combining archival footage and loads of candid interviews from existing and former members, Crips and Bloods is a gripping and honest telling of a horrible situation. --Rob Bracco

Made in America [Blu-ray] Reviews:
The best work he has done.
2009-11-05 - Outstanding!!! Everyone should see this film. An honest effort to reveal some hidden truths.

Hard to believe it is for Real
2009-11-02 - I just watched this documentary last week and I will have to watch it again this week as it was all surreal. I live in the sub-burbs only 30 miles away and had no Idea the meaning behind what was going on in the city. I think to myself, can that be real, or just another "movie?" That is why I have to watch it over and over again, to drive the point home. I both cried and was scared during watching this documentary. It is really incredible what these guys have been through and the subsequent mind-set that was developed. I think this film helped me understand my fellow man just a little bit better. So, In closing, if you consider this is real and not a "movie" this documentary might really move you. I really liked the deleted scenes and "making of" also.

Crips and Bloods directed by Dave Chapelle
2009-10-31 - That's right. This movie is eerily similar to a Chapelle's Show sketch. Do people see it for the parody it is, or is anyone actually taking this movie seriously?

Preaching To The Choir
2009-10-08 - I was excited when I bought this at Amazon, hoping to get an in depth look at the Gangs and the history of L.A. Instead, I was treated to a barrage of one-on-one interviews with "former" gang bangers, and their portrayal of what it was and is to be Black and segregated. The fact this whole film was dedicated to blaming Large corporations for deserting Black Families and leaving them no other choice but to become Criminals, left a bad taste in my mouth. The up side to this movie is that their were a few instances in which the truth about innocent bystanders being caught in the crossfire were brought to light. Overall, it starts out promising, but becomes monotonous after about 20 minutes.

Made In America
2009-09-10 - Excellent Effort - Well Done.

Considering how broad the subject matter is, and pervasively deep, it must have been extremely difficult choosing clips for the final cut, and keeping the film at an affordable/doable/reasonable length.

Conversely, the prevailing Condition, and ongoing Cycle, could not be adequately covered in a 10 hour film.

Watching the film for the first time, putting other reviews aside, I applied this context.