The Boys of Baraka

Last night my wife and I watched the wonderful documentary, "The Boys of Baraka". Here is a plot synopsis:
On September 12, 2002 twenty "at risk" 12-year-old boys from the tough streets of inner-city Baltimore left home to attend the 7th and 8th grade at Baraka, an experimental boarding school located...

On September 12, 2002 twenty "at risk" 12-year-old boys from the tough streets of inner-city Baltimore left home to attend the 7th and 8th grade at Baraka, an experimental boarding school located in Kenya, East Africa. Here, faced with a strict academic and disciplinary program as well as the freedom to be normal teenage boys, these brave kids began the daunting journey towards putting their lives on a fresh path. "The Boys of Baraka" focuses on four boys: Devon, Montrey, Richard and his brother Romesh. Their humor and explicit truthfulness give intimate insight into their optimistic plans, despite the tremendous obstacles they face both at home and in school. Through extensive time with the boys in Baltimore and in Africa, the film captures the kids' amazing journey and how they fare when they are forced to return the difficult realities of their city. "The Boys of Baraka" zeros in on kids that society has given up on - - boys with every disadvantage, but who refuse to be cast off as "throw-aways."

Random thoughts after watching the movie:

The movie is masterfully made with powerful images matched with soul piercing dialogue. You see the hearts of these wonderful boys come through and you find yourself broken for them. It's no surprise that none of these boys have Dads. As a parent, this movie reaffirmed my need to intentionally invest in my kids (especially my boys) in ways that will positively mark them for the rest of their lives. As Bill Cosby says in the special features, "Put a body on them!!!"

I was struck by the fact that the tremendously challenging circumstances that these boys face could very well have been the story of my new daughter Mya. May a culture of adoption continue to rise up in the church!

In the special features there is a 6 min. commentary from Bill Cosby that is very passionate and made me say a loud "Amen" a couple of times. Be sure to check that out at well.

Forget the usual mindlessness of 2 hours of Hollywood and check out a movie that actually deals with real life and real issues. Then figure out how the gospel intersects with it.

You can find it here on Netflix. You can read reviews here at Rotten Tomatoes.