Let It Fall: LA 1982-1992

Let It Fall: LA 1982-1992 is not your ordinary historical documentary; it is a meticulously constructed, in-depth examination of a dark decade in LA’s history. Made in 2017 by John Ridley, this powerful documentary stands as an unwavering testament to the turbulence and the terrifying racial tension that grasped Los Angeles in the 1980s, culminating in 1992's brutal uprising. This documentary casts Daryl Gates, Michael Moulin, and Tom Bradley in unique roles, as they lend their voices to the narrative with first-hand accounts.

The documentary kicks off by delving into the period of ten years leading up to the dangerous Los Angeles riots of 1992. Using vivid and sometimes painful imagery, the film explores the period (1982-1992) by gradually tracing back the socio-political roots, systemic biases, and inter-community conflicts that fuelled this especially violent flashpoint in American history.

The movie is named Let It Fall: LA 1982-1992 for a purpose. It follows a particular chronology to hint at the cruel, systematic negligence and the brewing racial tension that eventually caused social order to "fall." Through archival footage and eye-witness interviews, director John Ridley aims to piece together a mosaic of experiences and perceptions that makes the audience understand the ghastly incident in new light.

Among the principal characters are Daryl Gates, the Los Angeles Police Department's chief from 1978 to 1992, and a pivotal figure during these uneasy times. His strong-headed policies and overt militarization of the police often place him at the vortex of the story. Michael Moulin, LAPD lieutenant during these times, provides a law-and-order perspective to balance out the storytelling, offering valuable insights into the police's actions and motivations. Former Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley also features prominently in the narrative.

John Ridley paints a graphic but balanced picture of one of the most turbulent chapters in LA's history. He skillfully presents the terrifying escalation of events leading to the unfortunate violence in 1992, connecting the dots between individual stories, broader societal issues, and political incompetence. The documentary reveals how deeply racial biases were ingrained in the community consciously and unconsciously, shaping the violent trajectory of LA's reality during those years.

Ridley intelligently balances the narrative using perspectives from both sides of the racial tension for a more comprehensive view. In addition to the harrowing experiences of the black community, he includes perspectives from the Korean immigrants, often overlooked in broader narratives of the period. The trauma and perspective of Korean immigrants, whose businesses were one of the main targets during the riot, completes the film's full-circle narrative approach.

It's important to note that the documentary accords its due respect and empathy to every narrative, without labeling any perspective as right or wrong. Ridley does a commendable job of approaching each party involved without imposing his agenda. He lets the interviews, accounts, and archival footage speak for themselves instead of drawing conclusions for the viewers, thereby lending an authentic voice to the documentary.

Viewers will appreciate the documentary’s detailed and nuanced exploration of systemic racism and injustice that goes beyond the televised spectacle of burning buildings and violent clashes that informed most people's understanding of those days. It provides a deep and necessary look into the complex cultural and socio-political circumstances that sowed the seeds of violence.

"Let It Fall: LA 1982-1992" offers a potent historical lens to reflect upon the ills and repercussions of racial injustice, police brutality, and community divisions. It is evidently a mirror held up to the past, but also to our present and possibly the future, if the critical lessons from history are ignored. With its meticulous research, gripping stories, and emotionally resonant interviews, the film is more than just a trip down memory lane. It is a necessary exploration of injustice and the destructive outcomes of hatred, division, and social neglect.