LA 92

LA 92 is an emotionally charged documentary that delves deep into the racial tensions and tumultuous history of Los Angeles, California. Released in 2017, this film is directed by Dan Lindsay and T.J. Martin and spotlighting key moments and critical figures like Henry Alfaro, Danny Bakewell, and John D. Barnett. In capturing the vibrancy of the city and the energy of its people, the film becomes much more than just a historical document; it is a powerful exploration of a time and place forever marked by unrest. The LA in the film's title refers to the city of Los Angeles, whilst '92 harks back to the tumultuous year of 1992, a time etched in the collective memory for the widespread civil disturbances often referred to as the LA riots.

The film features archival footage and clips from various news broadcasts, putting the viewers into the middle of the escalating tensions of that time. Key personalities like broadcaster Henry Alfaro, community activist Danny Bakewell, and firefighter John D. Barnett form the largely non-fiction ensemble, not as traditional 'characters' but as authentic figures representing various facets of LA society.

At the forefront of LA 92 is the infamous Rodney King incident and subsequent trial, whose initial police brutality incensed nationwide passions and eventually sparked the six-day Los Angeles riot after the officers involved were acquitted. Even though the incident stands as the pivotal point in the film, the documentary deftly explores the broader racial tension landscape, not losing sight of other cases like the fatal shooting of Latasha Harlins, a Black teenager, by a Korean shopkeeper.

Directors Lindsay and Martin employ a unique storytelling method, opting to narrate the events without any voiceover. Instead, LA 92 utilizes raw and unfiltered video footage, radio broadcasts, and personal accounts as primary sources, allowing the events to be narrated through authentic perspectives. It presents the riots as a complex, multifaceted affair, with its roots extending well beyond the Rodney King incident, back to decades-long racial and socio-economic distress.

The depiction of the city throughout this film is an unforgettable one. LA 92 captures the palpable tension expressed in scenes of thronging crowds, burning buildings, and ringing gunshots. The city's atmosphere is not just one of aggression and anger; it also features people responding to the situation in ways that showed their humanity amidst the chaos. The film not only captures the grand scale of the riots but also the raw emotional wreckage it caused for the city's citizens.

Henry Alfaro's role in the film is significant. As a prolific broadcast journalist known for his daring pursuits amid civil unrest, Henry's inclusion offers an immediate sense of action and urgency. Equally critical is Danny Bakewell, the revered civil rights activist who served as the chair of the Brotherhood Crusade, one of the largest and most active social-service institutions in Los Angeles. His participation symbolizes the city's tense and tumultuous relationship with racial injustices and inequities. Lastly, John D. Barnett, a fire captain during the LA riots, represents the daunting challenges faced by LA's emergency response teams grappling with the widespread outbreaks of violence.

LA 92 is a reminder of the power and price of racial unrest in an already strained society, depicted through a lens of authenticity and emotional resonance. The film not only provides compelling historical context but also serves as a powerful reflection of the current situation, thereby making it a vital viewing for understanding the cycle of racial and social tensions. With an uncompromising look at a city in chaos and the underlying issues that sparked these events, LA 92 is a moving documentary that approaches the sensitive subject of race relations and police brutality in a compelling, nuanced manner.

LA 92 serves not only as a vivid piece of historical documentation but also as a mirror reflecting ongoing social issues across America and the world, making it a valuable, thought-provoking watch. For anyone seeking to understand the current climate of racial tensions in America, LA 92 is a must-see.