13th

Synopsis

The documentary film '13th' directed by Ava DuVernay and featuring Jelani Cobb delves into the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States. The title refers to the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which abolished slavery but included an exception for convicted criminals. Through powerful interviews, archival footage, and impactful narration, the film explores how this loophole has led to the disproportionate incarceration of African Americans and systemic racism within the criminal justice system. '13th' sheds light on the historical roots and the contemporary implications of this issue, encouraging viewers to critically examine the notion of freedom and equality in America.

Cast

• 

  Jelani Cobb

  Self

• 

  Angela Davis

  Self

• 

  Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

  Self

• 

  Michelle Alexander

  Self

• 

  Cory Booker

  Self - U.S. Senator (D) New Jersey

• 

  Marie Gottschalk

  Self

Reviews

Critics have overwhelmingly praised '13th' for its thought-provoking content and powerful storytelling. Rotten Tomatoes gives it an impressive 97% approval rating, with the consensus stating, 'Ava DuVernay's powerful documentary uses the 13th Amendment to shed light on America's history of racial inequality and its impact on the present.' IMDb rates the film 8.2/10, highlighting its compelling narrative and societal relevance. Metacritic also applauds the documentary with a score of 81/100, recognizing its significant contribution to the discourse on race and justice in America. The New York Times hails it as 'a bracing, enlightening and illuminating documentary that provides essential viewing for understanding the state of race and criminal justice in America.' Overall, '13th' has garnered acclaim for its impactful exploration of a complex and critical topic.