Watch 12 O'Clock Boys

12 O'Clock Boys is a 2013 documentary film directed by Lotfy Nathan that follows the life of a young boy named Pug who aspires to join the 12 O'Clock Boys, a notorious dirt bike gang in Baltimore. The film takes you on a journey through the streets of Baltimore to explore the origins and culture of the 12 O'Clock Boys and the impact they have on the city. The movie showcases the dangerous and thrilling world of the 12 O'Clock Boys. They are a group of dirt bike riders who perform stunts, including popping wheelies to the extreme degree of having their front tire pointed at the sky at 12 o'clock. They ride through the streets of Baltimore, dodging police cars and performing stunts that defy gravity. Many of the riders have been killed or injured in crashes, and police have been trying to stop them for years. The film also sheds light on the plight of many young African American men growing up in impoverished neighborhoods in Baltimore. Pug is one of these young men who wants to be a part of the 12 O'Clock Boys gang, mostly because of his admiration for their fearlessness and because it provides him with a dream outside of his own life. Pug's mother and other family members are seen as the moral counterpoints, with the mother representing the grounded and responsible perspective versus the reckless and hedonistic culture of the bikers. Additionally, the movie explores the lack of opportunities for young people in Baltimore. Many of the riders in the 12 O'Clock Boys grew up in a system that failed them. The movie shows the poverty and lack of resources in Baltimore's neighborhoods, making bikes something of a lifeline for many youths searching for an outlet. The film is a visual feast, providing stunning shots of dirt bikes racing and performing stunts across the city. Nathan uses mostly handheld camera work to show the rawness and immediacy of the dirt bike experience. He also captures the city of Baltimore in a way that highlights the beauty and the grit of the area. The movie is not simply a depiction of a subculture but goes deeper, offering audiences a glimpse into the complexities of issues that many young people face when born into poverty, such as a lack of opportunity, an underfunded educational system, and systemic inequity. The 12 O'Clock Boys are a symptom of a larger problem in Baltimore, as well as in many other communities across the country. Without being exploitative, the movie presents a candid look into the lives of young people in Baltimore. It delves into their motivations and aspirations, their desired sense of identity, and their place in a culture that has long ignored them. In conclusion, 12 O'Clock Boys is much more than a documentary about a group of dirt bike riders. It is an examination of the systemic and cultural issues faced by impoverished communities in Baltimore. This movie intimately depicts the conditions of young people growing up in these areas, showcases the attraction of "outlaw" culture, and the risks associated with it. It is a powerful and thought-provoking film that will stay with viewers long after watching.