Watch Assaulted: Civil Rights Under Fire
- PG-13
- 2013
- 1 hr 19 min
-
6.9 (139)
Assaulted: Civil Rights Under Fire is a poignant documentary that takes a comprehensive look at the Second Amendment debate and the historical battle over gun control laws in the United States. The film delves deep into the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which grants citizens the right to bear arms and the controversial debate surrounding the right's interpretation. It also focuses on gun control legislation, especially the laws enacted by the government after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and Robert F. Kennedy in the 1960s.
The film showcases a range of viewpoints from both sides of the debate. It features in-depth interviews with legal experts, gun rights advocates, gun control proponents, and ordinary citizens who have been affected by gun violence. Expert opinions and personal stories offer a detailed analysis of gun control and the impact of firearms on society. Additionally, the documentary examines the different eras of gun control laws and their effects on violence in the U.S.
Assaulted: Civil Rights Under Fire features interviews with self-defense advocates such as Margot Bennett, the Executive Director of Women Against Gun Violence, and Chris Cheng, a gun rights activist and National Shooting Champion, as well as organizers Alan Gottlieb, founder of the Second Amendment Foundation, and Philip Van Cleave, the President of Virginia Citizens Defense League, who provide contrasting opinions on the issue.
The film also chronicles the attempts to restrict gun ownership and loopholes in the law, including access to firearms through the internet and gun shows. Gun control advocates argue that the possession of firearms leads to numerous incidents of violent crimes such as homicide, suicide, and mass shootings. On the other hand, gun rights supporters believe that the Second Amendment is necessary for the protection of individuals' rights and the defense of their property and families.
Assaulted: Civil Rights Under Fire also explores the historical context behind the Second Amendment debate. The film examines how the U.S. Constitution came to include the Second Amendment and looks at the different interpretations of the Amendment's language throughout history. Furthermore, the film takes a critical look at how the government has used its power to limit or control firearm ownership and how the issue has impacted marginalized groups.
While Assaulted: Civil Rights Under Fire addresses important issues, it does so without taking a one-sided stance. The film also does not disregard the gravity of the issue, and conversations surrounding gun control can become emotionally charged. The documentary offers a logical and reasoned argument from both sides of the debate, leaving the viewer to draw their conclusions.
One of the strengths of the film is how it sets out the issue's complexities within the context of civil rights and liberties. The movie successfully examines the nature of gun control in the U.S., how it allows for regulation of inherently dangerous weapons, while ensuring that enough tools are made available to the otherwise vulnerable sections of society.
In conclusion, Assaulted: Civil Rights Under Fire is an informative documentary that intimately explores the gun control debate in the US, covering various angles to the debate, including legal, moral, and historical complexities. More than anything else, the film highlights the necessity for a nuanced discourse surrounding contentious topics. It is a must-watch for anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of the issue and form an informed opinion.
Assaulted: Civil Rights Under Fire is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.