Wednesday 14 October 2009

Bullet Proof Vest

"You know how everybody's just dying these days."

Well, no, I'm afraid I don't. But nine-year-old twins Mustapha and Jyeshria do.

Bullet Proof Vest is a documentary film made by May Lin Au Yong who used to be a reporter for Channel News Asia. It is a brief look into Richmond, the most dangerous city in California, where a murder occurs on average every ten days.

The film opens with shots from the road entering the city, and as it progresses we move deeper and deeper into Richmond's belly. The twins talk openly about their lives living in fear of bullets over gritty black-and-white shots of various parts of the city.

The camera-work throughout is simple and beautiful. May Lin Au Yong does not fall into the trap that many short film makers seem to of trying to impress through arty editing and over-the-top camera angles. She lets the subject matter speak for itself. And it certainly works here.
There is nothing to distract us from the uncomfortable scenery or disturbing accounts from the children and their mother - no music, no unnecessary special effects, not even any colour.

The documentary ends with text informing us of how the residents took over four of the city's most dangerous parks in 2006 in protest, but unfortunately does not inform us of what effect this may or may not have had.

This is a film that will stick in my mind for a while. It is extremely powerful in its modesty. Sometimes - not always, just sometimes - simplicity really is best. And this is a perfect example.

View Bullet Proof Vest here.

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