Watch The Nine Lives Of Marion Barry

The Nine Lives Of Marion Barry is a documentary film that revolves around the life of a former mayor of Washington, D.C, Marion Barry Jr., who served four consecutive terms in office. The film starts with a dramatic scene of Barry getting arrested in a hotel room for smoking crack cocaine with a woman in 1990. The movie chronicles the rise and fall of Barry, a charismatic leader, who was once considered a symbol of hope for the black community.

The movie portrays Marion Barry Jr. as a complex and controversial figure, who was loved by many and hated by some. The director, Dana Flor and Toby Oppenheimer, use archival footage, interviews, and reenactments to provide an in-depth understanding of Barry's life before and after his scandal.

The film reveals Barry's early political career and his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. It shows how Barry became the first chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr. on various projects.

The film also explores Barry's personal life, including his relationships with women and his struggles with substance abuse. It depicts how these personal issues affected his political career and led to his downfall.

The Nine Lives of Marion Barry highlights how Barry's leadership style was both inspiring and problematic. On the one hand, Barry was a champion of the poor and underprivileged, and he fought for affordable housing, education, and healthcare. On the other hand, he was accused of corruption, cronyism, and nepotism. The film presents both sides of the story, giving the audience a chance to form their own opinions.

The documentary also touches upon the racial tensions in Washington, D.C, and how Barry navigated them during his tenure as mayor. It highlights how he was able to unite the black community behind him, despite facing opposition from the predominantly white establishment.

In addition to Marion Barry Jr., the film features interviews with his family members, political colleagues, and journalists who covered his career. It also includes reenactments of some of the key moments in Barry's life, such as his arrest and trial.

Overall, The Nine Lives Of Marion Barry is a compelling and thought-provoking documentary that offers a nuanced perspective on the life and legacy of one of America's most controversial politicians. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in politics, race relations, and the complexities of leadership.

The Nine Lives Of Marion Barry is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.