Freeway: Crack In The System

Freeway Crack In The System is a complicated documentary. This is the story of the rise of Freeway Rick Ross. The movie is a bit disjointed at times, however compelling. The main theme is the involvement of  our government in the drug trade during the 1980s to help fund the Contras in Nicaragua. While the Iran-Contra connection is just a faded memory for some, the movie will surely encourage viewers to relook this page of the Reagan legacy. 

The reason this is so powerful is the strong connection to a lack of empathy or feeling for the devastation of South Central Los Angeles. Economically, the area was devastated. The economic  collapse lead to a vulnerability for the drug trade. The connection was that the CIA was going to utilize this vulnerability to help fund the contras due to funding being cut off by Congress.

The movie explains the rise of "Freeway" Rick Ross's empire. Rick Ross, as you will see in the movie is a victim of not only economic poverty, but also social injustice. Ineffective schools and a lack of a safety net destroyed the entire community.

What is compelling is the exhaustive details. How one person, can rise from so little to be a gangster is just part of a very compelling plot. It is the exploitation of this vulnerability that captures the attention of the viewer. My only criticism is the focus on a rapper stealing the identity of Rick Ross. While interesting in it's own rite, I found myself intrigued by the connections to injustice and poverty. Some may find this part of the story interesting.

For cerebral thinkers, this documentary is excellent. It shines a light on the social injustices that lead African Americans to mistrust our government. I highly recommend this film.

The documentary would  be a great combination to watch with the movie, Kill The Messenger.