Review of The Central Park Five (2012) by Lane B — 15 Mar 2015

I have grown to believe that trailers include the best parts of the entire film, however, this documentary taught me otherwise. This documentary was long, but every part was necessary for it to be such an interesting documentary.

Throughout watching "The Central Park Five" I constantly grew a level of suspense because I always wanted to know what will occur next. In addition, the black and white film and newspaper articles was a constant reminder of the time period, but it also allowed me to realize that cops abusing their power and individuals being accused for things because they were "at the wrong place at the wrong time" is still happening today, and by the looks of it, this insanity won't end anytime soon.

Also, the ability to include actual footage from the time period as well from the incident makes it more interesting because you begin to grow a level of sympathy for those that were excused. I am from New York City, and I have never been a fan of Central Park because it was huge not because I thought it was a park for only "White" people.

Being falsely accused and being obligated to pay the consequences for someone else's actions leads to one freedom being taken away. The police have so much power and abuse it that we don't believe it is right to correct them when they are wrong.

The men who were accused were able to be interviewed and state their opinion once the individual who killed the woman confessed his behavior. This film explicitly demonstrates the actions of those in power and makes us question our stand in our society.

Are we really able to stand up or for ourselves? Am I able to state my opinion without punishment?