Check It

Check It is a fascinating, heart-wrenching yet ultimately uplifting 2016 documentary that takes an in-depth look into a unique aspect of the American urban environment. Directed by Dana Flor and Toby Oppenheimer, the film primarily features Dominick Smith, Tray Warren, Tiara Wright, David Frye, and Ron Moten. The film successfully presents an intimate view of an intriguing subculture that exists on the fringes of society, centered on a group of young, black, gay, and gender-fluid teenagers in Washington D.C.

The protagonist ensemble consists of an organized group of youths known as "Check It", one of the only known all-gay street gangs in America. These young individuals, hailing from economically depressed neighborhoods of Washington D.C., have banded together to form a protective community of their own. The film delves into the gang's history and its role in the lives of the members, providing a raw and unfiltered look at the intersections of race, poverty, sexual identity, and survival.

Dominick Smith, Tray Warren, Tiara Wright, and David Frye appear as themselves in the film, embodying their own stories authentically. Smith, Warren, and Wright are the core members of Check It, struggling daily to break out of the gang life's vicious cycle, while battling homophobia, abuse, and a dearth of supportive institutions. Frye acts as a mentor figure, providing tough love guidance and wisdom in navigating the harsh realities of their world. Meanwhile, grassroots community activist Ron Moten plays a significant role as their mentor and coach, advocating for their personal growth, development, and safety.

The documentary does a commendable job of painting a realistic portrait of the struggles faced by these young people. It encapsulates their tackling daily violence, prejudice from their neighborhood, and neglect from law enforcement and social systems. From navigating identity constructs and society's expectations to managing their physique for survival, Check It reveals an affected population's deep-seated defiance and resilience.

Though the subject matter is profound and at times distressing, the film is anything but hopeless. It is often laced with genuine, touching moments of humor and light, injecting vibrancy into the otherwise bleak landscape. It showcases the group's determination to change their lives and break away from the cycle of crime and poverty they've been born into. Making use of their bold personalities, bold wardrobe, and talent for vogueing, they endeavour to start a fashion label and host local fashion shows. This effort symbolizes a collective endeavor to create opportunities where they have often faced shut doors, illuminating the hope and power of self-reliance.

The cinematography of Check It is raw and gritty, mirroring the harsh realities of its subjects' lives and their neoteric existence in society. The directors apply a vérité style of filmmaking, following their protagonists in personal spaces and during critical hours. The film derives its pace from the urgency of the protagonists' situation and their desire to live fuller lives. The film's strategy is simple, it doesn't lecture or propagandize; instead, it allows the courageous lives and voices of its subjects to dominate the narrative.

In its essence, Check It is more than a gang documentary. It's a human and social story, encompassing elements of desperation, survival, identity, fashion, and importantly, transformation. The film provides the audience with an opportunity to witness the lives unfolding for these brave youths, who are continuously challenging their tragic realities while constantly affirming their true identities.

By combining these strong personal narratives and a broader social context, Check It offers a stark and insightful perspective on the plights, aspirations, and dreams of a particularly challenging position within society. It sparks a conversation about class, race, identity, and resilience - all through the extraordinary tale of a unique American street gang.

In conclusion, Check It is an impactful documentary that grips the viewer right from the start with candid stories of hardship and survival. Its heart lies in its tale about choosing life over mere existence, finding beauty amid adversity, and pivoting away from violent survival to peaceful living. The film triumphs as an ode to bravery, ambition, and the human spirit's resistance against all odds.