Watch A Crime on the Bayou

A Crime on the Bayou is a film based on real-life events that took place in Louisiana in the 1960s. The story revolves around Gary Duncan, a young black man who is falsely accused of assaulting a white boy in a small Cajun community. The incident takes place in the summer of 1966 when the civil rights movement is at its peak, and racial tensions are simmering across America.

Gary Duncan is a confident and ambitious 19-year-old who is working as a laborer to support his family. One day, while he is driving to work, he stops to help a young boy who has been in a fight with a group of white boys. Gary tries to break up the fight and gets into an altercation with one of the white boys. The boy's father, a prominent local lawyer, presses charges against Gary for assaulting his son.

Lolis Eric Elie portrays the role of Richard Sobol, a young white lawyer who is assigned to represent Gary in court. Richard is a determined and idealistic lawyer who believes that justice can be served for Gary. However, he soon discovers that the law in Louisiana is deeply entrenched in racial prejudice, and Gary's case is no different.

Gary's trial becomes a battleground for civil rights activists and white supremacists, with tensions escalating in the small community. The film depicts the severity of racial disparities and social injustices in the legal system in Louisiana in the 1960s.

Gary's case becomes a symbol of the struggle against racism and discrimination in America. The film captures the community's reaction to the case, with some supporting Gary and others trying to suppress him. Amidst all these, Richard struggles to provide Gary with a fair chance to prove his innocence.

The film is directed by Nancy Buirski, who previously directed the documentary, The Loving Story. The film's screenplay is written by Richard Sobol and Lolis Eric Elie. The film is shot in a dark, moody tone, providing the audience with a glimpse of the oppressive nature of the social and legal system in Louisiana in the 1960s.

The film's themes revolve around racism, social injustice, and the struggle for civil rights. The film does a great job in portraying the struggle of black Americans against oppression and the fight for equal rights. It also highlights the importance of the justice system in upholding the rights of every citizen in the country.

The cast of the film is incredible, with Gary Duncan played by newcomer Kristoffer Polaha. The role of Richard Sobol is portrayed by Lolis Eric Elie, a renowned writer, and historian. The supporting cast comprises of prominent actors like James McCaffrey, Brian Lally, and others, who bring the characters to life.

In conclusion, A Crime on the Bayou is an impactful and thought-provoking film that highlights the struggle against racism and discrimination in America. It is a film that sheds light on the importance of the justice system, fair judgment, and the fight against racial prejudice. The film is a must-watch for anyone looking to understand the history of social inequality and to stand against discrimination.

A Crime on the Bayou is a 2021 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 81.