Watch Raising Bertie

Raising Bertie is a documentary film that follows the lives of three African American boys - Reginald, David, and Bud - as they grow up in rural Bertie County, North Carolina. The film is directed by Margaret Byrne and was released in 2016. The film begins by introducing us to each of the boys and their families. Reginald is a talented basketball player who lives with his grandmother and dreams of playing in college. David lives with his mother and has a passion for art, but struggles with his schoolwork. Bud lives with his mother and grandmother and is dealing with the recent loss of his brother.

As we follow these boys from ages 12 to 18, we see the challenges they face and the choices they make as they navigate through adolescence in a place that has been historically stripped of social and economic opportunities for African Americans. The film captures the boys' struggles with poverty, an underfunded education system, and limited career options.

Throughout the film, we see how the community tries to support these boys. We meet mentors, teachers, and coaches who aim to keep them on track and encourage them to achieve their dreams. But despite their efforts, the reality is that the boys are dealing with a system that is set up against them.

The film does an excellent job of providing a nuanced picture of life in rural America. We see the beauty and strength of the community, but also the challenges and the shortcomings. The landscapes of Bertie County are breathtaking, but we also see abandoned buildings and dilapidated schools.

The film also explores themes of race and masculinity. The boys are growing up in a society that often expects them to act a certain way - to be tough, to hide their emotions, and to be the provider for their family. We see how these expectations can weigh heavily on the boys and influence their choices.

One of the film's strengths is its use of a verité style. The camera is often present for intimate moments, and it feels like we are getting a glimpse into an authentic slice of life. The boys are incredibly open and honest about their experiences, and we see them grow and change over the course of the film.

Another strength of the film is its use of music. The film's score seamlessly blends elements of hip-hop and gospel to create a sound that feels both modern and rooted in tradition.

Overall, Raising Bertie is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary. It provides a unique window into the lives of three boys and the challenges they face growing up in rural America. The film highlights the importance of community and mentorship, but also raises important questions about race, class, and opportunity in America.

Raising Bertie is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 74.