179th Street
179th Street

Movie spotlight

179th Street

2014
Movie
128 min
English

New York City in the 1980's, the Latino Drug Lords' War is fueled by "Crack", while a boy chained to radiator witnesses it all. Based on two true stories of how the American Dream turns into an American Nightmare.

Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Director: Jonathan Van TullekenGenres: Documentary, Short

Plot Summary

This short documentary explores the lives of individuals who frequent the 179th Street subway station in New York City, capturing their daily routines and the transient nature of urban existence. Through observational footage, the film offers a glimpse into the diverse population that passes through this major transit hub, highlighting moments of connection and isolation.

Critical Reception

As a short documentary, '179th Street' received limited but generally positive attention, primarily within film festival circuits. Critics praised its observational style and its ability to capture the raw reality of urban life without overt narration, focusing on the unspoken stories of the station's inhabitants.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its vérité style and authentic portrayal of urban life.

  • Commended for its poignant observational moments and capturing the humanity of commuters.

  • Noted for its sensitive depiction of diverse individuals within a shared public space.

Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this short documentary is not readily available, but general audience reception at festivals indicated appreciation for its authentic and thought-provoking look at city dwellers.

Awards & Accolades

Screened at various film festivals, including the True/False Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The film deliberately avoids explicit interviews, relying entirely on observational footage to allow viewers to draw their own conclusions about the subjects' lives.

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