Watch We Will Riot

We Will Riot is a dynamic and thought-provoking film from Lithuania, released in 2013. This film showcases the clash between the youth and the police, which is a recurring conflict in many countries. However, this particular movie stands out because it tackles the issue of racism in Lithuania, which is still a prevalent problem to this day.

The movie follows the lives of two protagonists: Lukas, a young Lithuanian man, and Nara, a young woman from Ghana. They both live in a rundown apartment complex in Vilnius, Lithuania's capital city. Overhead, they hear the sound of helicopters and see the flashing lights of the police cars that patrol their neighbourhood. Dealing with unemployment, racism, and police brutality are everyday occurrences for Lukas and Nara.

Lukas is a carefree young man who is trying to make it as a DJ. He regularly hangs out with his friends, including his best friend, Vu, who is Vietnamese. Despite their different backgrounds, they all bond over their shared experiences of discrimination and marginalisation. When Lukas and Vu get an opportunity to perform at a local club, they jump at the chance to showcase their skills. However, their excitement is short-lived when they find out that the club's owner plans to exploit them by offering them low pay.

Meanwhile, Nara is a student who dreams of becoming a doctor. She juggles various odd jobs, including working as a cleaner, to support herself. One day, she is beaten up by the police for "looking suspicious". This event sparks a series of events that will change the lives of everyone around her.

The movie's title, We Will Riot, comes from a line in a song by a Lithuanian rap group that Lukas and Vu admire. The song represents the voice of the youth, who feel that they are ignored and forgotten by the system. Lukas and Nara, along with their friends, attend a protest against police brutality but are met with violence from the police, who disperse the crowd with tear gas.

As the movie progresses, Lukas and Nara become closer and soon realise that they share more in common than they initially thought. Both of them have suffered from discrimination and marginalisation, and they are both passionate about fighting against systemic oppression. Together, they form a plan to organise a massive protest against racism and police brutality. Along the way, they face opposition from the authorities and the club owners who exploited them.

The cinematography in We Will Riot is gritty and raw, reflecting the tough reality of life in a run-down neighbourhood. Despite the dark themes of the movie, there are moments of humour and tenderness that provide a glimmer of hope. The acting is superb, especially from the two leads, Ebeneezer Nii Sowah and Beata Tiskevic, who deliver nuanced and believable performances.

We Will Riot is a standout movie that champions the youth's voice and their struggle against oppression. This film is especially relevant in today's society, where the issue of systemic racism is at the forefront of public discourse. We Will Riot is a bold and riveting movie that demands to be seen.