Watch Rubble Kings

Rubble Kings is a documentary film that follows the story of the gang culture and violence in New York City during the 1960s and 1970s. The film, directed by Shan Nicholson, is a compelling piece of historical documentary that explores the roots of gang culture and its impact on society, particularly in the Bronx. The movie starts by outlining the social, economic, and political climate in New York City during the 1960s and 1970s. It was an era of great social upheaval, and the Bronx was particularly affected by it. The movie highlights the challenges and struggles faced by the residents of the Bronx, particularly the youth, who were caught up in a web of poverty, unemployment, and racial discrimination.

The movie then delves deeper into the emergence of gang culture in the Bronx. It chronicles the formation of various gangs, such as the Savage Nomads, Black Spades, and others, and how they became an integral part of the Bronx landscape. The film highlights how many of these gangs functioned as surrogate families for the youth who were plagued by broken families and lack of support from mainstream society.

The documentary also examines the role of music in the gang culture of the Bronx. Hip hop music emerged during this period as an artistic expression of the experiences and struggles of the Bronx residents. The movie showcases the role played by musicians such as Afrika Bambaataa, Kool Herc, and others in giving voice to the marginalized sections of society.

One of the most significant contributions of the movie is its nuanced portrayal of the gang culture. It is not a simplistic presentation of gangs as perpetrators of violence and crime. Rather, the film explores the complex social and psychological factors that underlie gang culture. By highlighting the social isolation, lack of opportunities, and racism faced by the youth, the movie sheds light on the root causes of gang culture.

The movie also examines the impact of gang culture on the broader society. The gang wars that erupted in New York City during the 1970s resulted in a spate of violent crimes, leaving many innocent victims in their wake. The film highlights the devastating impact of these crimes on families and communities and underlines the urgency of addressing the root causes of gang culture.

The movie's strongest point is its authentic and intimate portrayal of the individuals involved in the gang culture. Through interviews with former gang members, the film presents a vivid and personal account of their experiences. The documentary invites viewers to see beyond the stereotypes and understand the complex emotional and psychological realities that underpin gang culture.

In conclusion, Rubble Kings is an insightful and poignant documentary that sheds light on the complex social and historical factors that shaped gang culture in the Bronx during the 1960s and 1970s. It is a testament to the power of documentary filmmaking to provide a voice to the marginalized sections of society and to create empathy and understanding among audiences. The movie serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of violence and crime on families and communities and underscores the need for addressing the root causes of social inequality and marginalization.

Rubble Kings is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 8 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 62.