Watch L.A. Burning: The Riots 25 Years Later

L.A. Burning: The Riots 25 Years Later is a documentary film released in 2017 on the 25th anniversary of the Los Angeles riots. The film explores the underlying causes of one of the most violent outbreaks of social unrest in American history and the lingering impact the riots had on the city and its people. The film was directed by one of the most prominent documentarians of our time, John Singleton, and features interviews with dozens of people who witnessed the events firsthand, including reporters, activists, and ordinary citizens. The interviews are interspersed with archival footage and news clips from the time, giving viewers a comprehensive look into the unfolding of the riots.

The documentary begins by exploring the historical context that led up to the riots. It delves into the government's neglect of minority communities, the rampant economic inequality, and the tension that existed between the police and the community leading up to the verdict in the 1992 Rodney King trial.

George Holliday, a citizen journalist who filmed the beating of Rodney King, is featured prominently in the film. His footage of the beating, which was aired on television and on the internet caused widespread outrage and became a symbol for police brutality against African Americans. The documentary shows how the trial of the police officers involved in Rodney King's beating was a turning point for Los Angeles and how it brought the underlying tensions to the surface.

The documentary then goes into detail about the events that led to the riots, including the verdict in the Rodney King trial and the brutal beating of Reginald Denny. It shows how the riots quickly spiraled out of control, with looting, arson, and violence spreading across the city within hours. The film examines how ineffective the government's response was and how the police were underprepared and unable to handle the violence that erupted.

L.A. Burning: The Riots 25 Years Later also explores the aftermath of the riots and how they affected the community. The film shows how the riots exposed the deep-seated racial and economic inequalities that existed in the city and how these issues are still relevant today.

One of the most powerful aspects of the documentary is the personal stories of the people who lived through the riots. The film shows how people from all walks of life were impacted by the violence, from business owners who lost everything to those who were arrested and sentenced to prison. The interviews with these individuals provide a humanizing element to the documentary and show the emotional toll the riots had on the community.

Finally, the documentary examines the legacy of the riots 25 years later. It explores how the city has attempted to heal the wounds caused by the riots and how it has addressed some of the underlying issues that led to the violence. The film ends on a hopeful note, showing how the community has come together to try and create a better and more equal Los Angeles.

Overall, L.A. Burning: The Riots 25 Years Later is a powerful and informative documentary that sheds light on one of the most significant events in recent American history. By exploring the underlying causes of the riots and their aftermath, the film provides a comprehensive look into the lasting impact of the violence. It is a must-see for anyone interested in American history and social justice.

L.A. Burning: The Riots 25 Years Later is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.