Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Inspiring docu about urban gardening; some profanity, drugs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Can You Dig This?
What's the Story?
Filmmaker Delila Vallot goes home to South Central Los Angeles in CAN YOU DIG THIS? In a place where she was once frightened as a child, Vallot uncovers a remarkable truth: The simple act of creating a garden can change lives. Over the period of one year, Vallot films that transformation. She follows a diverse group of "gardeners." Their unique journeys -- Spicey, a desperate gangbanger; Hosea, a forlorn ex-convict; Quimone, an anxious little girl; Kenya, a young woman plagued by substance abuse and lack of motivation; and Ron Finley, a brilliant "renegade" gardener and community activist -- are united only by their common experience. Each one of her subjects encounters significant obstacles: health issues, governmental interference, loss, and some problems of their own making. Integrated throughout, Vallot takes a look at a wider issue facing the area: There's little access to fresh, healthy food, and folks are forced to rely on cheap convenience vendors and unhealthy processed foods.
Is It Any Good?
Director Delila Vallot's ability to find the defining moments in the lives of her characters in South Central makes for intense "rooting interest" in a remarkable film. It's humanizing above all else; a community that is often defined by its poverty, violence, and hopelessness is defined instead by the audience's journey with a few of its most vulnerable members. Caution: In an effort to accurately portray the grim reality of the neighborhoods, Vallot has included profanity, marijuana use, and references to violence, which may preempt viewing by younger kids who might otherwise find Can You Dig This? uplifting and memorable.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the use of the term "inspirational" when describing films. What does it mean, and what about this movie is inspiring? Why are such films valuable to the wider community? What other kinds of activities might be inspirational for you? Did Can You Dig This? inspire you?
Think about the use of profanity in this film. Why do you think the filmmaker kept it in the movie when she could have taken it out? How did such language bring reality to the movie's vision of the community and the people? Do you agree with her decision?
Try to imagine little Quimone's future. How do you think her discovery of gardening will affect her life?
In what way do you think Ron Finley's life was changed by participating in this film? Do you think he would have become an activist and speaker if had never met Delila Vallot? Why, or why not?
How does Can You Dig This? promote compassion, perseverance, and integrity? What about humility and gratitude? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : December 1, 2015
- Cast : Ron Finley
- Director : Delila Vallot
- Studio : Gravitas Ventures
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : STEM
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Gratitude , Humility , Integrity , Perseverance
- Run time : 80 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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