“When They See Us” (2019) – A Review of the Compelling Web Series on the Central Park Five Case
The Netflix series “When They See Us” is a powerful retelling of the infamous Central Park Five case, which saw five young black men wrongfully convicted of a brutal crime in 1989. Directed by Ava DuVernay, the show is a devastating examination of the criminal justice system, as well as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
The web series is based on the true story of five black and Latino teenagers from Harlem who were wrongly convicted of raping a white woman in Central Park. Despite a lack of evidence, the five were convicted and spent years in prison before their convictions were finally overturned in 2002. “When They See Us” tells the story of their trials and the years they spent behind bars, as well as the years that followed their release.
Table of Contents
#1. The Central Park Five Case
The Central Park Five case is one of the most notorious examples of wrongful conviction in American history. The five young men – Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana, and Korey Wise – were just teenagers when they were arrested and charged with the brutal assault of a white woman in Central Park. Despite a lack of physical evidence linking them to the crime, the five were convicted and sent to prison, where they spent years behind bars.
#2. The Depiction of Police Interrogations and Racism in the System
One of the most striking aspects of “When They See Us” is the way in which it depicts the police interrogations of the five teenagers. The show portrays the interrogations as brutal, aggressive, and racially motivated, with the police officers pressuring the teenagers into confessing to crimes they did not commit. This depiction is particularly powerful because it highlights the systemic racism that pervades the criminal justice system, particularly in its treatment of black and brown communities.
#3. The Power of Storytelling
“When They See Us” is a powerful example of how storytelling can be used to raise awareness about important social issues. By focusing on the human stories of the five young men and their families, the show highlights the devastating impact that wrongful convictions can have on individuals and communities. Through its compelling portrayal of the Central Park Five case, “When They See Us” serves as a powerful reminder of the need for systemic reform and the importance of protecting the rights of all individuals, regardless of race or ethnicity.
#4. The Resilience of the Human Spirit
Despite the years of trauma and injustice that they endured, the five young men at the center of “When They See Us” are testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Through their strength and determination, they were able to overcome the devastating impact of their wrongful convictions and rebuild their lives. This resilience is a testament to the power of the human spirit and a reminder of the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
#5. A Call to Action
Ultimately, “When They See Us” serves as a call to action, highlighting the need for systemic reform within the criminal justice system. Through its powerful portrayal of the Central Park Five case, the show underscores the importance of protecting the rights of all individuals, regardless of race or ethnicity, and the need for a more just and equitable criminal justice system.
In conclusion, “When They See Us” is a powerful and necessary web series that sheds light on the injustices of the criminal justice system. Through its compelling portrayal of the Central Park Five case, the show highlights the need for systemic reform and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.