The Central Park Five (2012)

In the throbbing heart of 1989 New York City, a horrifying crime sends shockwaves through a society teetering on the brink of chaos. Amidst a cityscape crumbling under violence and racial tension, five teenagers, black and Latino boys from Harlem, are wrongfully arrested and convicted for the brutal assault and rape of a white woman in the iconic expanse of Central Park. 'The Central Park Five' paints a compelling portrait of this egregious miscarriage of justice, pulled into the glaring spotlight of a media hungry for scandal and an irate public baying for blood. These innocent young men, their lives derailed by the crushing weight of false accusations, languish behind bars for a staggering period of 6 to 13 years each. They are held captive not only by the cold, unyielding bars of their cells, but by the damning labels society has thrust upon them. Their fight for freedom seems futile, until the unexpected confession of a serial rapist turns the tide. His admission of guilt, that he alone was the perpetrator of the crime, leads to a shocking revelation and a desperate scramble to overturn the convictions of the Central Park Five. This gripping documentary delves deep into the heart of a flawed system, revealing the stark reality of racial bias, hasty judgment, and the profound impact of media sensationalism. The Central Park Five’ is a chilling exploration of justice denied and ultimately, triumphantly reclaimed.

The Central Park Five is a documentary movie featuring Antron McCray and directed by Ken Burns.

The Central Park Five is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Hoopla.

It is also possible to buy The Central Park Five on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.