Watch 16 Shots

"16 Shots" is a gripping documentary that covers the case of Laquan McDonald, an African-American teenager who was shot 16 times by Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke in 2014. The film explores the aftermath of McDonald's death, including the ensuing protests, legal battles, and political ramifications that have rocked the city of Chicago.

The documentary is directed by Rick Rowley, who is known for his work on other social justice films, such as "Dirty Wars" and "The Fourth Estate." "16 Shots" is a remarkable piece of filmmaking that offers a powerful and disturbing look at the issues of race, police brutality, and the justice system in America.

The film opens with footage of the shooting, captured on a police dashboard camera, which quickly went viral and generated widespread outrage. McDonald, who was carrying a knife, is seen walking away from police officers when he is gunned down by Van Dyke. The video suggests that McDonald was not posing an immediate threat to the officers at the time he was shot.

The incident sparked protests and calls for justice, which eventually led to the release of the video and the indictment of Van Dyke. The documentary provides a detailed account of the legal proceedings that followed, as well as the larger societal issues that were brought to the forefront by McDonald's death.

The film features interviews with a wide range of individuals involved in the case, including lawyers, activists, journalists, and members of McDonald's family. We hear from Anita Alvarez, the Cook County State's Attorney at the time, who is heavily criticized for her handling of the case. Dean Angelo, the then-president of the Chicago police union, also speaks out, defending Van Dyke and criticizing the protests.

We also hear from Alma Benitez, McDonald's great-aunt, who speaks movingly about the impact of his death on his family. Her emotional testimony is one of the film's most powerful moments, as she expresses her deep sorrow and frustration with the police and the justice system.

Throughout the film, we see how McDonald's death has reverberated throughout Chicago, becoming a symbol of larger social and political issues. The film examines the city's long history of racial tension and police misconduct, as well as the role of the media in shaping public perception.

Overall, "16 Shots" is an important, insightful, and deeply affecting film. It offers a comprehensive look at a case that shook the nation and highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing systemic racism in law enforcement. The film is a reminder of the need for greater transparency and accountability in policing, as well as the importance of listening to those who have been most affected by these issues.

16 Shots is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 79.