Watch When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts

When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts is a documentary film directed by Spike Lee and released in 2006. It explores the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, particularly the failure of the levees protecting New Orleans from flooding. The film is divided into four acts, each of which covers a different aspect of the disaster. Acts 3 and 4 focus on the aftermath of the storm and the efforts to rebuild the city.

In Act 3, we see the immediate aftermath of the hurricane, as residents of New Orleans are forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in shelters and other cities. Many are left stranded on rooftops or in flooded areas, struggling to survive without food, water, or medical care.

The film documents the government's slow and inadequate response to the crisis, as well as the heroic efforts of local volunteers and organizations to provide aid and support to those in need. It also highlights the challenges faced by those who have lost everything, including the struggle to find new homes, jobs, and a sense of normalcy.

In Act 4, the focus shifts to the long-term impact of the disaster and the efforts to rebuild New Orleans. We see the ongoing struggles of residents to secure funding and resources for reconstruction, as well as the debates and controversies surrounding the future of the city.

The film also explores the role of race and class in the aftermath of the hurricane, highlighting the disparities in access to resources and support among different communities. It raises important questions about the responsibility of the government and other institutions to protect and assist those in need during times of crisis.

Throughout the film, interviews with survivors, politicians, activists, and other experts provide a range of perspectives on the disaster and its aftermath. The film also features powerful archival footage and images that capture the devastation and resilience of the people of New Orleans.

Overall, When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts is a moving and powerful documentary that sheds light on one of the most devastating disasters in American history. Through its harrowing accounts and nuanced analysis, the film illuminates the ongoing struggles of a city and its people to recover and rebuild in the face of immense adversity.