Watch Flyin' Cut Sleeves

Flyin' Cut Sleeves is a documentary film directed by Henry Chalfant and Rita Fecher, released in 1993. The film is a powerful account of gang violence in the late 1960s and early 1970s in the South Bronx area of New York City. This documentary takes its name from the slang term "Flyin' Cut Sleeves" used as a derogatory term for Puerto Rican members of turf gangs. The movie delves into the origins and culture of these gangs, and shows how they imposed their violent and destructive behavior on their communities.

The story of Flyin' Cut Sleeves is told through the eyes of both former gang members and community activists. The filmmakers interview former gang members, including their leaders, who confess the brutal and senseless violence that characterized their lives in those days. The testimonies of ex-gang members describe how these groups were formed as a response to a lack of opportunities for young men in the area. Most of them were formed around the gang's neighborhood blocks and were made up of youths who were seeking protection from other gangs or even from the police. These gangs were an expression of the reality of the social situation of poor communities that were systematically marginalized.

We also hear from members of the community who were involved in the fight against gang violence. These were teachers, social workers, and community activists who tried to create alternative spaces for the youth of the area to nurture their talents and dreams. These people would become key allies in the fight against gang violence, and their work continues to influence the discussion on this issue.

One of the strengths of the documentary is the invaluable amateur footage Chalfant has access to, from the era covered in the film. Much of the footage captures revelry from block parties; however, it more often than not focuses on violence between gangs. The footage doesn’t just provide a visceral feeling for what life was like back in the day, but it speaks to how big of an issue these turf wars were for communities across the country. It was not just something that happened in New York, but it was a problem that plagued inner cities across the country.

The film is not just an account of gang violence but rather a celebration of the culture created by Black and Puerto Rican communities in the South Bronx. The filmmakers capture beautifully the music, art, and fashion that defined these communities. The street fashion of the time was remarkable for the flamboyant and colorful outfits of the gang members. They wore handmade leather jackets with intricate artwork that displayed their affiliations to their groups. The clothing was made in a way that would stand out and provide a sense of unity and togetherness amongst them.

Flyin' Cut Sleeves provides a sense of nostalgia for a time of great pain but also great art, music, and activism. The documentary shows how some of the leaders of the various gang organizations formed alliances and began actively working to quell gang violence. By the end of the movie, we see a more optimistic future for those communities as the gang culture slowly began to dissolve, and members of those gangs create positive lives for themselves.

Added in the thirty years since the events covered in the film, Flyin' Cut Sleeves is still incredibly relevant due to the ongoing discussion around inner-city crime in America; however, it provides a unique perspective. The beautiful cinematography captures the world of these gangs vividly and with great care, allowing it to serve as an essential insight into how certain communities were formed and how they will continue to struggle going forward.

In conclusion, Flyin' Cut Sleeves is an essential documentary film that documents the difficult reality of gang violence in poor communities of the South Bronx area during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Although the film portrays a bleak reality, it also conveys a sense of hope and optimism through the stories of both the victims and the community activists who fought to create a better future. It is a mesmerizing description of street life in the United States, and a must-watch for anyone interested in the culture and history of gang violence.

Flyin' Cut Sleeves is a 1993 documentary with a runtime of 59 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.