thoroswet_3 Most of what I would say about the great value of this film has been eloquently covered by earlier reviewers. I found that I got far more out of the documentary on the second viewing--the editing is tight, so almost every statement by the commentators gives the viewer/listener something to chew on, and, as a result, one can miss a few succeeding ideas while one is digesting any given idea. I'm confident that the documentary could easily bear a rewarding 3rd and 4th viewing. It's a real feast of stimulating insights, in other words.I think it would be wise for viewers who are completely new to the subject to learn a little about the facts of the case before seeing the documentary. The film's value lies in its focusing on the political factors influencing Mumia's development as an internationally influential revolutionary in the most powerful of all capitalist states. While one does not NEED detailed information on the chain of events leading to his frame-up and incarceration in order to appreciate the film, questions related to his legal situation are bound to arise for the uninitiated. There are fine documentaries and books that address the facts of the trial as argued by the defense and prosecution at length, but it should suffice a complete newcomer just to find a brief chronology of events and summary of political factors before seeing this particular documentary.The film is truly exceptional. Both the activist and the merely curious should embrace its unique contribution to our understanding of the world we live in and the need to resist the oppression that characterizes this epoch in history. Many, many thanks to the makers and producers of this wonderful documentary and, of course, to Mumia and MOVE!

CDragon27 I thought the documentary would be a dry, factual restating of the case. I was wrong. It pulsed with life, in the words of Mumia Abu Jamal, and in the many people who spoke from their hearts about the man, his case, and his effect on their lives. I learned more about the hidden history of this country. worth seeing and sharing. The fact that anyone, especially someone convicted on such flimsy and suspect evidence has been left in solitary is obscene. The way that Mr. Abu Jamal has not only retained his humanity, but is using his words to reach out and make a positive change in the world, is a lesson for us all. I was fortunate enough to also hear from the director of this powerful documentary, and his journey to gain access, and to bring this story to the world, also should be noted.

webny Good and rare documentary of the life of a Black revolutionary and political prisoner. Also, a very good introduction to the situation of Mumia Abu-Jamal for those who aren't very familiar with it. The film traces Abu-Jamal's biography from his early years to becoming conscious of injustices of racist and capitalist society to membership in the Black Panther Party to his later career as a radio journalist (and both radio and print journalist in jail). At the same time the movie doesn't go much into Abu-Jamal's case inasmuch as other movies have already done that. The work is well put-together technically. Is makes creative use of actors and actresses for roles for which there isn't (and can't be) any footage. Some of those roles, however, are over-acted. A number of academics and literary and other 'names' comment on his life and case. However, the film overly relies on this sort of celebrity testimony as opposed to that from voices of the grassroots. Well worth seeing.

rossrhart This film is a real eye opener. Mumia is a must see for every American. For those who already understand what lengths the government machine can and does go to in order to suppress revolutionary voices and actions, it adds fuel to the smoldering fire. To those who don't already understand, let's hope it is a small ray of sunshine piercing the elaborate red, white and blue smoke and mirror environment you have been brought up with and swallowed hook, line and sinker. Incredibly well researched and brilliantly executed by Stephen Vittoria, a documentary filmmaker at the very top of his game, Mumia is populated by a who's who of revolutionary thinkers who bring their thoughtful commentary to bear on this important subject. The subject of the film, Mumia Abu-Jamal, is nothing less than a universal thinker, philosopher and visionary. Mumia can extemporize and speak on virtually any subject or event without research or calculation at a higher and more thorough and profound level than most PHDs could if given a week in the central library to prepare to address a topic. Mumia thinks and speaks in an improvisational manner that can only be analogized to the riffs of jazz greats Coltrane, Davis and Monk. Don't miss it and watch it twice.