13th Review: An Excellent Documentary On The Now Booming Prison Industry

Director: Ava DuVernay
Running Time: 100 mins
Release Date: 7th October (Available on Netflix)

13TH is a documentary noting the history of African Americans since the 13th amendment was added to the US constitution banning slavery. The film focuses on a byline in the amendment, stating that slavery is illegal “except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted”. 13TH discusses the growth of the incarceration industry in the USA, as well as the multiple levels of discrimination people have faced since 1865.

Documentaries are primarily there to inform the audience of facts they previously were unaware of, 13th does this very well. Going step-by-step throughout American history, the film explains the various phases of racism faced by black people as well as legislative changes to crime and prison services that are deemed to have been specifically tailored to arresting more black people. It is especially interesting given the current racial climate in the USA and with their presidential elections so close.

Starting from the immediate aftermath of the enactment of the 13th amendment, through the segregation era, through Ronald and Nancy Reagan’s ‘Just Say No’ campaign, Bill Clinton’s ‘three strikes’ policy, and right up to the present day with the Black Lives Matter Movement and the various protests against the police shooting young unarmed black men. This documentary discusses everything that could possibly have an effect on the lives of African Americans throughout history and explains the various measures governments and law enforcement have taken to make sure they are still considered second-class citizens.

With director Ava DuVernay interviewing a range of people including professors, civil rights leaders, and politicians, 13th manages to give you a balanced and extensive knowledge of the history of black people in the USA, as well as a history of politics. Overall, 13th is an excellent documentary on the now booming prison industry and how it is a result of the ever present racism issue in America. 

Verdict

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