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Review

This film is a staggering achievement, one of a small number of documentaries that not only plays out like a dramatic narrative but far surpasses most fictitious films in its engrossing, emotional storytelling. Set in Los Angeles’ notorious South Central neighborhood, the film focuses on the congregation of the Greater Bethany Church led by the electrifying Bishop Noel Jones. Director Sophie Fiennes and crew have created an elegant yet straightforward production by letting characters speak for themselves rather than appearing in “talking head” formal interview segments and by employing non-invasive camerawork that feels more like the point of view of an innocent bystander than an that of an eager journalist. South Central has long been depicted as ground zero for almost everything that is wrong with America and Fiennes does not ignore these elements at all. However her film, while agonizing at times, is ultimately hopeful, possibly uplifting and, after watching the intensely watchable, passionate, charismatic, eloquent and brilliant Bishop Jones (brother of cultural icon Grace Jones,) inspiring. The incredible music by the church’s choir, Voices of Judah, and their rocking band only serves to make this great film that much better. Everyone should see this film.

 -- David Greenberg