L.A. Burning: The Riots 25 Years Later (2017)

A quarter of a century after the firestorm of conflict seared its scars into the city's face, "L.A. Burning: The Riots 25 Years Later" plunges into the heart of the infamous uprising that rocked Los Angeles, illuminating the racial chasm that split America wide open. This gripping 2-hour documentary navigates the labyrinth of the lives forever entwined with the notorious intersection of Florence and Normandie, the explosive flashpoint of the LA riots. Peering through the lens of an eclectic ensemble of characters who found themselves drawn to the epicenter of chaos, the film unravels the tangled threads of their stories. It paints intimate portraits of the residents, who for years had called this place home before it was thrown under the glaring spotlight of national scrutiny amidst the smoke and embers. It also explores the world of the rescuers, victims, law enforcement, rioters, and media, each playing their roles in a theater of upheaval. The narrative journeys back in time to reveal the hidden layers of these individuals' lives before, during, and after the riots. It also bravely journeys forward, revealing poignant reunions at the site of the turmoil. Victims, still wrestling with the ghosts of their past, seek to conquer their fears by returning to the scene that has inflicted deep-seated pain in their lives. Meanwhile, it candidly captures those who, in a whirlwind of fury and despair, committed violent acts, as they reflect on their actions and the enduring imprint they've left on their lives. "L.A. Burning: The Riots 25 Years Later" is a compelling exploration of the human stories intertwined with the infamous riots, offering an immersive lens into the heart of an event that has become a poignant chapter in America's history. The film does not confine itself to the narrative of the Normandians, but instead provides a broader perspective, encompassing the experiences of all those whose lives were irrevocably altered on those fateful days.

L.A. Burning: The Riots 25 Years Later is a documentary movie featuring John Singleton and directed by Erik Parker.

L.A. Burning: The Riots 25 Years Later is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.