Watch LA Riots: As We Watched

LA Riots: As We Watched is a documentary film directed by Sacha Jenkins, which examines the events leading up to the 1992 Los Angeles riots, also known as the Rodney King riots. The film uses a combination of archival footage and contemporary interviews to provide a comprehensive look at the riots that unfolded over six days in April 1992.

The 1992 LA riots were sparked by the acquittal of four LAPD officers who had been caught on videotape brutally beating Rodney King, an African American man who had been pulled over for a traffic violation. The footage of the beating, which was broadcast on news networks around the world, galvanized public outrage and led to protests across Los Angeles.

The documentary begins by setting the stage for the riots, exploring the history of race relations in Los Angeles and the broader political and social context of the time. Viewers are introduced to Rodney King and the video footage that captured his beating, as well as to the four police officers who were later acquitted of charges related to that incident.

From there, the film moves through the six days of rioting that followed the acquittal, showing the destruction and violence that engulfed Los Angeles during that time. We see footage of looting, burning buildings, and violent clashes between police officers and protestors. The film also highlights the impact the riots had on ordinary people, both those who were directly affected by the violence and those who witnessed it from afar.

In addition to examining the riots themselves, LA Riots: As We Watched also delves into the aftermath of the events. The film explores the political and social changes that took place in the wake of the riots, including shifts in law enforcement, political representation, and public perception of race relations in Los Angeles. Through interviews with a wide range of people who lived through the riots and their aftermath, the film provides a nuanced look at the complex issues that contributed to this moment in American history.

Overall, LA Riots: As We Watched is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that offers a comprehensive look at a pivotal moment in Los Angeles and American history. By exploring the events leading up to the riots as well as the consequences that followed, the film provides a valuable insight into the complex social and political issues that continue to shape our world today.