Parents' Guide to

G-Dog

By Renee Longstreet, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Inspiring docu about gang intervention program in LA.

Movie NR 2013 92 minutes
G-Dog Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

age 12+

Based on 1 parent review

age 12+

Inspiring, moving, heart-changing

This is the story of a priest who saw a need in his community and went out to do something about it. He can see beyond the crimes, the tattoos, and the rough mannerisms of the people he serves. He wins the love of gang members, addicts, and ex-convicts. He moves them to tears. This documentary shows the humanity behind all people. These people aren't just "bad" people. They were born into bad situations and felt they had no other way out. This documentary shows the power of going out and making a change in the world and of not judging and just really getting to know someone. It is truly inspiring.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much swearing

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1):
Kids say: Not yet rated

The subject matter is so compelling, the people involved so engaging, and the outcomes so positive, that this documentary can't help but be a memorable, motivating experience for its viewers. Freida Lee Mock, the Academy Award winning documentarian who made Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision, has a way of finding the soul of her subjects and bringing their humanity to the screen. In this case she has taken marginal, often despised, urban kids and given them and their rehabilitation star status.

Father Gregory Boyle deserves the acclaim and respect he receives from Mock. The simple facts that Homeboy Industries exists, and that G-Dog will extend its reach, are miraculous accomplishments.

Movie Details

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