3 ½ Minutes, 10 Bullets (2015)

Too much of everything

Memorable, crazy movie

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

STAR RATING: ***** Saturday Night **** Friday Night *** Friday Morning ** Sunday Night * Monday Morning In November 2012, a group of black teenagers drove into a convenience store parking lot in their red SUV to buy some cigarettes and gum. Whilst one of them had gone to get what they wanted, another car pulled alongside theirs and the driver, Michael Dunn, asked them to turn their music down. The driver complied, but Jordan Davis, a backseat passenger, kicked up a fuss and turned it back up. This lead to a verbal altercation between him and Dunn, which escalated into Dunn firing ten shots at their vehicle as it sped away, leaving Jordan dead. As the trial of Dunn plays out in the courtroom, and the verdict draws near, racial tensions in the US rest on a knife edge.In multi racial, gun happy America, a breeding ground has been served up for conflicting cultures to collide and for tragic outcomes to ensue. The case of Trayvon Martin a short while ago caused a national outcry at the time, but here, a similar case in the shape of Jordan Davis is documented, another casualty of the gun culture. The state where the incident took place, Florida, currently operates the 'Stand Your Ground' law, that allows a gun owner to operate their weapon in instances where they even perceive a threat, which this film scrutinises.Filmed in a crisp, pristine picture, the film sacrifices talking head perspectives for a straight out real life presentation of Dunn's trial in court (not legal as far as I was aware?) While this takes up most of the film space, it's the outside elements that give it its striking touches, with Dunn's phone conversations with his fiancé playing out over silent, eerie overhead shots of passing traffic with the sound drowned out, as well as the pain and loss of Jordan's parents. His more middle class background and upbringing is the most uneasy conflict with the stereotype his image presents, and its his friends, who all seem to want to break into the rap scene, who serve to challenge the predetermined mentality many may have of them, with 'thug' being the new n word, as one of them laments.This documents a tragic human drama, from which no winners emerged, but from which important questions were raised and vital steps were suggested to put things right. ****

It is hard to review a documentary based around the killing of an individual. Considering film is almost always a form of entertainment it is hard to imagine being entertained by something as grim as this.With that said, this is a great documentary, it shows both sides equally and allows the viewer to form their own opinions on the incident that the film is based on. Too many documentaries are biased or create their own 'facts' when dealing with their subject matter. This was different. Go watch it!It is everything a documentary should be, an unbiased view at the world recorded through the camera that leaves the viewer with their own thoughts and ideas that are not the directors thoughts or ideas but original concepts that we have adopted through watching an honest piece of film making.

The facts of 17 year old Jordan Davis' death are well known.While at a gas station with friends in Jacksonville Florida, he was shot dead by a middle aged white male who took offence to the loud Rap music the kids were playing in their car.What is less well known is the truth.Did Jordan verbally threaten to kill the man? Did he brandish a weapon of his own? Did he then leave his car in order to kill him?Vitally, did Michael Dunn, Jordan's killer, act in self defence?These are the questions explored by Marc Silver's excellent documentary. Never heavy handed, the film tells the story of the aftermath of Jordan's death and its affect on the family as they embark on a 2 year journey to find justice for their lost son.But far more than a personal family story, the film lifts the lid on America's trigger finger, the bubbling undercurrent of racial hate and the absurd 'stand your ground' law that essentially protects gun totting yahoos like Michael Dunn, from paying for their hate crimes.I was lucky enough to be at a special screening, where both Marc and Jordan's father, Ron Davis spoke about the making of the film.Ron is an amazing man. While certainly distraught following the loss of his son, he has also been galvanised into action. He is on a mission to amend the 'stand your ground' law and ensure that no more families have to suffer the tragedy that has befallen his.Eloquent and self assured, the events of Black Friday have transformed him into a powerful activist who I am sure will achieve his goals.Go watch this film for the excellent story telling. Go see it for the beautiful cinematography. Go see it for the raw emotion and performances - none of the scenes have been set up for our entertainment. We see every player in this tragic drama as they really are.But most of all just go see it because Ron Davis, Jordan's Mother, Lucia and all the other families affected by this terrible law need and deserve your understanding and support.

This is a powerful and deeply moving documentary about a subject that continues to plaque America: the demonization of young black men and the subsequent deadly actions taken against them, both by private citizens and law enforcement.Excellently shot and edited, the film is a courtroom drama. We already know the outcome--if you had been following the case--but the filmmakers flesh out the human dimension of the murdered youth, 17-year old Jordan Davis. Through riveting scenes in the courtroom and heartbreaking conversations with his parents and friends we get a sense of what was so mindlessly lost when this young man was murdered. Though the murderer is ultimately convicted, the film makes it clear that there is no "closure" when a life is so quickly and callously taken.This important film challenges all of us to continue to see the humanity in each other...especially those who have been historically demonized, marginalized and stereotyped.