13th Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Slavery technically ended, but oops, there’s a loophole, so now being black is basically a crime and prisons are just cotton fields with extra steps.

🍿 13th: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Thirteenth Amendment and its Loophole

The documentary begins by highlighting a crucial, often overlooked aspect of the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution. While it officially abolished slavery, it contained a clause allowing for ‘involuntary servitude’ as punishment for a crime. This loophole, according to the film, set the stage for the exploitation and mass incarceration of African Americans for decades to come. ’13th’ argues that this loophole provided a legal basis for a new form of slavery, as it allowed for the forced labor of incarcerated individuals. This concept forms the core of the film’s argument, connecting historical injustices with contemporary issues in the criminal justice system.

From Jim Crow to the War on Drugs

The film traces the history of racial inequality in the United States, starting with the Jim Crow era and the rise of segregation. It illustrates how discriminatory laws and practices targeted African Americans, limiting their opportunities and perpetuating systemic racism. ’13th’ then transitions into the ‘War on Drugs,’ arguing that this policy, spearheaded by President Nixon and intensified by subsequent administrations, disproportionately affected Black communities. The film suggests that the ‘War on Drugs’ was used as a tool to incarcerate African Americans at alarming rates, further marginalizing them within society.

The Prison-Industrial Complex

A significant portion of the documentary focuses on the emergence and growth of the ‘prison-industrial complex.’ This term refers to the network of corporations, politicians, and lobbyists who benefit financially from mass incarceration. ’13th’ argues that this complex incentivizes the imprisonment of individuals, regardless of guilt or innocence, to maintain a steady flow of cheap labor. The film examines the role of organizations like the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) in drafting and promoting legislation that supports the prison-industrial complex. It also highlights the exploitation of prison labor by private companies, drawing parallels to the era of slavery.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Michelle Alexander (Michelle Alexander): As an educator and author of ‘The New Jim Crow’, she provides critical analysis on mass incarceration and racial bias within the justice system.
• Angela Davis (Angela Davis): A professor emerita and activist, she offers historical context and insights into the ongoing struggle for racial equality and prison abolition.
• Newt Gingrich (Newt Gingrich): As a former Speaker of the House, he provides a conservative perspective on crime and punishment policies, reflecting a shift in views over time.
• Cory Booker (Cory Booker): As a U.S. Senator, he discusses the need for criminal justice reform and the impact of mass incarceration on communities.
• Ava DuVernay (Ava DuVernay): As the director, she presents a comprehensive argument about the evolution of racial inequality in the U.S. through the lens of the prison system.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Bryan Stevenson: “The Bureau of Justice reported that one in three young black males is expected to go to jail or prison during his lifetime, which is an unbelievably shocking statistic.” – Highlighting the disproportionate impact of the justice system on young black men.
• Michelle Alexander: “Mass incarceration is, I believe, the most pressing racial justice issue of our time.” – Stating the importance and urgency of addressing the issue of mass incarceration.
• Angela Davis: “Prisons do not disappear social problems, they disappear human beings.” – Critiquing the prison system’s inadequacy in addressing underlying social issues.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $566

💥 13th Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely floored by ’13th.’ The way it connected historical events to the present day made the issue of racial inequality in the prison system so much more real and impactful. The scene where they juxtaposed images of the Civil Rights movement with modern-day protests hit me hard. I honestly felt a mix of anger and sadness watching it, but also a sense of hope that things can change.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Viewers interested in social justice issues”
  • “Those seeking to understand the history of racial inequality in the US”
  • “Students of history, sociology, and criminal justice”
  • “Anyone interested in documentaries that challenge the status quo”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Contains discussions of slavery, racism, and violence”
  • “Includes graphic images of police brutality and hate crimes”
  • “May be emotionally disturbing for some viewers”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “DuVernay’s ’13th’ is a searing indictment of the American prison system, meticulously connecting its origins to the legacy of slavery. It’s a vital, urgent film that demands attention and sparks necessary conversations.
• RogerEbert.com: “’13th’ is a masterclass in documentary filmmaking. It’s not just informative, it’s emotionally resonant, weaving together history, politics, and personal stories to create a powerful narrative about racial injustice. The visual storytelling is exceptional.
• Variety: “Ava DuVernay’s ’13th’ is a bracingly clear-eyed look at the criminalization of African Americans. It serves as a call to action, urging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about our nation’s history and present.

Audience Reactions

Viewers praised its comprehensive historical overview, making complex issues easy to understand.: Most agree that the film effectively highlights the systemic racism embedded within the American prison system.

Many viewers were moved by the personal stories shared by formerly incarcerated individuals.: The emotional impact and powerful storytelling resonated deeply with audiences.

Overall Consensus: Generally praised as a thought-provoking and impactful documentary that sheds light on the systemic racism within the American prison system.

Awards

1. Primetime Emmy Award (Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special)- 2017
2. BAFTA Award (Best Documentary)- 2017

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Ava DuVernay chose filming locations with brick walls and industrial equipment to represent labor that has been historically stolen from black people.”
• “The documentary’s title refers to the 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery ‘except as a punishment for crime’.”
• “DuVernay secured interviews with a diverse range of figures, including politicians from both sides of the aisle, activists, and academics, to present a comprehensive overview of the issues.”

🖥️ How to Watch 13th?

13th is available for streaming on Netflix. Check your local listings for broadcast schedules. The film is also available for purchase on platforms like Apple TV and Google Play Movies.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed 13th, you might like these similar films:

• I Am Not Your Negro (2016): Explores the history of racism in the United States through the lens of James Baldwin’s unfinished book.
• The Central Park Five (2012): Details the wrongful conviction of five black teenagers for a crime they did not commit, highlighting systemic issues in the justice system.
• When They See Us (2019): Dramatizes the story of the Central Park Five, delving into the racial bias and injustices within the legal system.
• Eyes on the Prize (1987): A landmark documentary series chronicling the Civil Rights Movement in America, providing historical context to contemporary issues of racial inequality.

🛒 13th Related Products

• The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness: Michelle Alexander’s groundbreaking book explores the racial disparities in the American criminal justice system. This book deeply influenced the film and provides additional in-depth analysis.
• “13th” Movie Poster: High-quality print of the film’s powerful poster. Perfect to show support for the important themes of the film or movie wall.
• Funko Pop! Angela Davis: The Angela Davis Funko Pop is a collectible that represents her involvement in the topics within the 13th film.
• Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption: Bryan Stevenson’s account of his work as a lawyer defending wrongly convicted individuals on death row. This book shares a similar theme of racial bias with the movie.

🎧 Soundtrack

13th features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Letter To The Free” – performed by Common featuring Bilal
• “Letter To The Free” – performed by Common featuring Bilal

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Saudagar – 13/13 – Bollywood Movie – Nutan, Amitabh Bachchan & Padma Khanna

Want to see what all the fuss is about? This is the full movie that inspired so much buzz! I was hooked from the beginning!

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